ORTHODONTIC
EMERGENCIES
Orthodontic emergencies are unusual. A broken bracket or ligature
may be annoying but rarely painful; these types of repairs can be made
at a routine visit. On the other hand, a displaced wire or other traumatic
incident may require immediate attention. You can call the office to receive
instruction on how to care for your emergency and how to contact a responsible
assistant. We always have a doctor or assistant “on call”
to help you with these problems, most of which can be alleviated at home.
This is certainly your first line of action. Never hesitate to call! We
want you to feel comfortable and assured that all is under control.
Emergencies generally fall into two categories:
1. Direct injuries to the mouth and teeth.
2. Damage to orthodontic appliances.
DIRECT INJURIES
TO THE MOUTH AND TEETH
Following a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, you should see your
general dentist as soon as possible. An X-ray of the involved tooth may
be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Contact your dentist
first if a tooth has been lost, severely displaced or fractured. Our orthodontic
office may not have the necessary materials to treat your injuries.
EMERGENCIES RELATED
TO ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
Broken or disturbed appliances may occur during your orthodontic care.
Loose bands, broken or poking wires and dislodged or displaced orthodontic
appliances should be reported to our office during regular office hours.
We will evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule an appointment
for you. In the interim, follow these temporary measures:
• An irritating tie wire can be covered with wax or tucked under
the arch wire using a blunt object such as a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip.
• A loose band or bracket can usually be left in place until your
office appointment.
• A broken arch wire or one that is irritating the gum or cheek
tissue requires replacement or adjustment.
• A bent headgear facebow or ill-fitting removable appliance should
not be worn until it is properly adjusted during your office visit.
Our office has time for emergency adjustments during normal clinic hours each day. We will schedule your appointment as soon as possible. After office hours, you may find it useful to look at the pictures below of common minor problems that may occur with your braces and simple steps to alleviate them. If you are unsure of what to do or in pain, please don’t hesitate to call. You deserve to be comfortable.
Loose brackets
or bands
Cutting
a loose wire with a nail clipper or scissors (that have been sterilized
in alcohol) may make you more comfortable. Be careful of the free end
of the wire after it has been snipped.
Wire
irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved
by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or
eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small
piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you
can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized
in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office
for an appointment.
Lost
Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry
about losing a separator; it will not need to be replaced.
Discomfort with an orthodontic appliance
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments
are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort.
You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you
adjust to your new braces.
