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Orthodontic Emergencies or Problems
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Loose
Bracket
Poking Wire
Wire out of Back Brace
Poking Elastic (Rubber Band)
Hook
Sore Teeth |
Please feel free to contact the office
if you are experiencing any discomfort or if you have any questions.
Below are a few simple steps that might help if you are unable
to contact us or if you need a "quick fix". |
LOOSE BRACKET
Occasionally, a glued bracket may come
loose. You can remove the loose bracket and save it in an envelope
to bring to the office or leave it where it is, if it is not causing
any irritation. Call the office as soon as possible in order for
us to allow time to re-glue the bracket
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POKING WIRE
If a wire is poking your gums or cheek
there are several things you can try until you can get to the
office for an appointment. First try a ball of wax on the wire
that is causing the irritation. You may also try using a nail
clipper or cuticle cutter to cut the extra piece of wire that
is sticking out. Sometimes, a poking wire can be safely turned
down so that it no longer causes discomfort. To do this you may
use a pencil eraser, or some other smooth object, and tuck the
offending wire back out of the way.
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WIRE OUT OF BACK BRACE
Please be careful to avoid hard or sticky
foods that may bend the wire or cause it to come out of the back
brace. If this does happen, you may use needle nose pliers or
tweezers to put the wire back into the hole in the back brace.
If you are unable to do this, you may clip the wire to ease the
discomfort. Please call the office as soon as possible to schedule
an appointment to replace the wire.
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POKING ELASTIC (RUBBER BAND) HOOK
Some brackets have small hooks on them
for elastic wear. These hooks can occasionally become irritating
to the lips or cheeks. If this happens, you may either use a pencil
eraser to carefully push the hook in, or you can place a ball
of wax on the hook to make the area feel smooth.
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SORE TEETH
You may be experiencing some discomfort
after beginning treatment or at the change of wires or adjusting
of appliances. This is normal and should diminish within 24-72
hours. A few suggestions to help with the discomfort:
- Rinse with warm water, eat a soft diet, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed on the bottle.
- Chewing on the sore teeth may be sorer in the short term but feel better faster.
- If pain persists more than a few days, call our office.
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