Procedures

What to Do in Case of Emergency


Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please do not come directly to the office – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.

Loose Band or Bracket: 

If a band or bracket is still attached to wire, leave in place.  If uncomfortable, place  wax on it. Call our office for advice and to make an appointment so that the band or bracket can be placed back on.   If it comes out completely, wrap brace or bracket in tissue and bring to the office when you have made an appointment with us.  If this happens during the night or weekend, this may require you to cut the wire and slide the bracket or band off.  Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.

Loose Wire 

Try to place wire back in place with tweezers.  If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clipper that has been washed and sterilized with alcohol behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened.  If any discomfort, place wax on it.  If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.


Poking wire

Try to push sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser.  If not possible, place wax on it.


Lost tiewire  

Call the office to make an appointment to replace it.

Lost Separator

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. Use warm salt water rinses and you may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen while you adjust to your new braces
 
Headgear does not fit 

Sometimes caused by not wearing as prescribed.  If facebow is bent call our office at once to schedule an appointment.

If you feel you are unable to handle a problem on your own, please call us as soon as possible.


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