Orthodontic emergencies can occasionally occur and although they may be a little upsetting,
they are usually fairly simple to treat.
they are usually fairly simple to treat.
Most orthodontic emergencies can be remedied at home. However, if you have a situation you cannot resolve on your own, call us so we can fit you in for a repair appointment. In the meantime, see below for tips that can help resolve minor problems you may encounter during your orthodontic treatment.
If your teeth are sore after a visit...
You may need to take an anti-inflammatory (Nurofen). A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinse may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
If you braces cause wire irritation...
Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser on the end of a pencil. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax or (sugar-free) chewing gum.
If the main wire or bracket comes loose...
Please call our office on the next working day to schedule a repair appointment.
If an appliance comes loose...
E.g. Herbst arms, expanders, holding appliances and bonded wires. Call the practice during working hours to arrange an appointment at the earliest convenience or leave a message if out of business hours. If still concerned, call the mobile answering service for further advice. Loose appliances may be temporarily secured using wax or (sugar-free gum).
If a separatory falls out...
Call the office to see if it needs to be replaced. It is common for separators to fall out - this usually means that enough space has been made. This is not an emergency, but if in doubt or your appointment is more than a few days away, call the office during working hours for advice.
If your retainer is broken or lost...
Call the office to arrange an appointment for new impressions and a replacement retainer as soon as possible in order to avoid undue tooth shift.
If you have an accident or trauma to your teeth or jaw...
Generally, if braces are in place these protect the teeth; however, the lips may be cut by the brackets. Advice should be obtained from your general dentist as soon as possible. Please contact the practice during working hours to let us know your situation, or call the after hours answering service for further advice if necessary.
If your teeth are sore after a visit...
You may need to take an anti-inflammatory (Nurofen). A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinse may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
If you braces cause wire irritation...
Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser on the end of a pencil. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax or (sugar-free) chewing gum.
If the main wire or bracket comes loose...
Please call our office on the next working day to schedule a repair appointment.
If an appliance comes loose...
E.g. Herbst arms, expanders, holding appliances and bonded wires. Call the practice during working hours to arrange an appointment at the earliest convenience or leave a message if out of business hours. If still concerned, call the mobile answering service for further advice. Loose appliances may be temporarily secured using wax or (sugar-free gum).
If a separatory falls out...
Call the office to see if it needs to be replaced. It is common for separators to fall out - this usually means that enough space has been made. This is not an emergency, but if in doubt or your appointment is more than a few days away, call the office during working hours for advice.
If your retainer is broken or lost...
Call the office to arrange an appointment for new impressions and a replacement retainer as soon as possible in order to avoid undue tooth shift.
If you have an accident or trauma to your teeth or jaw...
Generally, if braces are in place these protect the teeth; however, the lips may be cut by the brackets. Advice should be obtained from your general dentist as soon as possible. Please contact the practice during working hours to let us know your situation, or call the after hours answering service for further advice if necessary.
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