Emergency Care

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances. We want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. An on-call assistant is available on the weekends to help you.

Loose bracket

If a bracket comes loose from the tooth, call our office for an appointment. While a tight bracket actually protects a tooth from decay, a loose bracket is extremely dangerous and decay can occur under it very rapidly. If the bracket is still attached to a wire, leave it in place and apply wax if there is discomfort. If the bracket comes completely out, place it in an envelope and call for an appointment.

Wires

• Archwire: If a main archwire breaks (the one that goes all the way around the outside of your braces), call our office for an emergency appointment.
• Loose Wire: Place wax over it if there is any discomfort and call for an appointment.
• Poking Wire: Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, or some other smooth object. If you are unable to take care of a poking wire, apply wax and call our office for an appointment.
• Lost tie-wire or elastic tie: This is not a real emergency, but please notify an assistant at your next appointment.

Soreness

Soreness and/or mild discomfort during treatment may occur. Warm salt-water rinses are helpful in relieving sore gums, tongue and lips. Advil/Tylenol will help to relieve general soreness.

Accidents involving teeth

Contact our office immediately.

Please remember: If you are involved in contact sports, a regular mouth guard can be fitted over your braces for added protection.