Download orthodontic emergencies: problems and solutions

ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES:
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Certain problems may occur during your orthodontic treatment. The following list provided helps instruct you on how to solve
the problem, temporarily, by yourself until you are able to come and see us. If you feel that you are unable to solve a
problem on your own, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
PROBLEMS
SOLUTIONS
LOOSE BAND
If a band or bracket is still attached to the wire,
OR BRACKET
leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, you can place wax on it. If it comes out completely,
place the band or bracket in a baggie and bring it with you when you come to see us.
LOOSE WIRE
Try to place the wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with
fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If you have any
discomfort, place wax on it.
POKING WIRE
Try to push poking wire down with a spoon or eraser and place wax on it.
LOST WIRETIE
Please notify us.
OR ELASTIC TIE
SORENESS
Use warm salt water rinses and/or take Advil, Motrin or Tylenol.
LOOSE APPLIANCE If an appliance is sticking or poking, you can place wax on it.
True orthodontic emergencies 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.
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.