True orthodontic emergency's are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If the office is closed there will be a contact number on the answering system for emergency's.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Loose Bracket or Band

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, it is often best to leave in place.  If uncomfortable, dry area with a tissue and cover with wax.  If it comes out completely, bring with you to your next appointment.  Please contact our office so a repair appointment can be scheduled.

Loose or Poking Wire

If a wire comes out of a bracket in the back of your mouth, use a tweezers, to push the wire back into place.  If this is not successful and it remains uncomfortable, use wax to alleviate the discomfort. Otherwise, use a large nail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth where it is loose.

Loose Appliance

Typically, if an appliance comes loose, it is only on one side.  Try pushing the appliance back into place.  If this is not successful, try to remove the appliance completely. 

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender.  Some patients find relief by using a “Bite Wafer”. This is part of your initial braces “First aid Kit”. Discomfort of the gum tissue can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.  Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously.  If the tenderness persists, take a pain reliever of your choice that you normally use for headache or similar pain.

Retainers (bonded or removable)

If bonded retainers loosen or break, contact our office as soon as possible.  We will assess your retainer and make you comfortable.  We will then schedule an appointment for repair or replacement.  If in discomfort, you may be able to remove the wire completely by gently pulling on it to release any remaining bonding adhesive.  If your removable retainer is lost, broken or is not fitting properly, promptly call to schedule an appointment.
*It is important to note your teeth will move if retainers are broken or not worn.  There will be a charge should retainers need repair or replacement.