Common Emergencies

Common orthodontics emergencies and helpful suggestions that you can do at home, until you can make an appointment to see the doctor.

Remember that loose and broken braces are most often caused by eating the wrong foods. Our original estimate of your total treatment time assumes no appliance breakage. Loose and broken braces prolong treatment!

1. Poking wire or bracket: Roll a small piece of wax that was provided to you at the beginning of your orthodontic treatment into a small ball and press it onto the part that is poking you. If the wire is sticking our more on one side than the other, try to push the side that is not poking into the tube until the wire is even on both sides. Usually, you will notice this when the wire slides more on one side than the other. If the wire is still poking, try to place a small piece of wax that was provided to you.
   
   

   Understanding Parts of Braces		Poking or Wire Sticking Out

   
   
2. Broken wire: Press the wire towards your teeth very gently with a pencil eraser. If the wire is loose or you have a loose piece, carefully remove it and place it in a “Zip Lock” bag and bring it to the office.
3. Loose or Broken Bracket or band: If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, contact the office immediately for an appointment to have the bracket or band bonded again. If the bracket or band is loose and in your hand, place in a “zip locks” bag and bring it back to the office.
   
4. Colored tie is missing: As long as you have other ties still present, usually there is no problem, however you should still contact the office to ask if you should have the color replaced.
   
5. Headgear not fitting - don’t wear the headgear until the next appointment.
   
6. Severe trauma with loose teeth - call the doctor immediately or your family dentist or an oral surgeon as soon as possible.
7. Broken retainer – do not wear the retainer if it does not fit well. Call the office to schedule an appointment to have the repairs done or if necessary a new one to be made. Do not wait for several weeks as the teeth may shift requiring additional treatment at additional cost and time.
   

Small cuts: To help a cut heal, rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water. Call our office during our regular business hours for an appointment to have us check the orthodontic problem.