If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with dental wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek, or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother the child usually do not usually require emergency attention.

Call our office as soon as possible if any of your appliances break or become loose. Please do not come directly to the office. By calling, you will allow us to determine your needs and treat you in a timely manner. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled in the coming week, please call us if your braces need to be repaired.

Possible emergency situations:

Lost Separators
It is quite common for some patients to lose at least one separator during treatment. Most of the time separators do not need to be replaced. Please call the office if you lose a separator so that we can determine whether or not you need to come in and have it replaced.

Loose Bracket or Band
If a bracket or band becomes loose, call the office as soon as possible. Sometimes it is important to replace the bracket right away, but most of the time it is okay to wait until your next scheduled appointment.
If you have a problem over the weekend or at night and need to cut a wire or slide a bracket off the wire, please feel free to do so and call our office on the next working day. We will evaluate the problem to determine if it is necessary for you to be seen immediately.

Wire Irritation
If a wire is causing an irritation, try pushing it away from the irritated area by using the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end with a small piece of orthodontic wax. If your lips or cheeks are irritated, place wax on the area to reduce the annoyance. If you cannot resolve the irritation please call the office for an appointment.

Discomfort Associated with Treatment
Most orthodontic patients experience some degree of discomfort following initial appliance placement and after routine adjustments. This discomfort may last several days. Tooth discomfort is highly individual, yet most patients achieve effective pain relief from acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Check with your doctor for potential side effects with other medications first or if you have a suspected allergy to any of these drugs. This medication is usually neither required nor recommended for more than 3-5 days in a row. If you find that the pain continues for more time, please contact the office.

Efficient tooth movement can be delayed if anti-inflammatory pain medication is taken for too long a period of time, and kidney and liver damage have been found in patients taking these medications continuously over a long period of time without a doctor’s supervision. Be very careful with your dosing and the length in which you take these medications.