Fortunately, there are very few true orthodontic emergencies. If you have a broken appliance or are experiencing intense pain, please call us at your earliest convenience and we will do our best to have you be seen. If you already have a regular appointment scheduled, just call ahead to notify us that you will need an appliance repaired.

Surprisingly, most orthodontic problems can be remedied at home. While you await your appointment, these guidelines will help you resolve minor problems. 

Lost Separator

It is not uncommon for patients to lose a separator. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced before your next scheduled visit. 

Sore Teeth/Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

Right after your braces are placed, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers. You can also gargle lukewarm saltwater, a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm wash cloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Wire Irritations

Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or wax. If the wire is poking and it is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

Loose Bracket

First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be replaced. If you have a situation where you you can't be seen, you can cut the wire and slide the broken bracket off the wire. To do this you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.

Loose Wire

Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.

Herbst Appliance

If an arm has come loose from your Herbst appliance, you may try replacing it with the allen wrench provided to you at your Herbst delivery appointment. If you are unable to replace it, use the allen wrench to remove the entire arm.  If one of the molar band has come loose and it is not bothering the patient, please call Monday to schedule an appointment to be seen.  If the molar band is loose and is causing your child discomfort or pain, please call our emergency line.  The emergency line can be reached by calling our general office line after hours.

Haas Appliance (expander)

If your expander has come loose and is not bothering your child you do not need to do anything emergent.  Please call our office on Monday morning and we will schedule to have your child seen.  If your child is in pain, please call our emergency line.