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What to Do in Case of Emergency

Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances.

Lost Separators

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. This generally means enough space has been created and the separator has become dislodged. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Loose band or bracket

A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until the next appointment. They are usually still attached to the arch wire but if they do come off, keep them and bring them on your next appointment. You may put wax on it to lessen the irritation. Notify our clinic of any orthodontic problem so we can adjust your appointment to accommodate a repair.

Wire Irritations

When the teeth are moving very fast usually at the start of the treatment, ‘extra’ wire will tend to stick out at the end of your braces. If this bothers you, come back to the clinic to have them cut. You can also cover it with relief wax or tuck it in if you can. If the wire is causing too much pain over the weekend, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

A broken wire will need to be replaced and adjusted. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call for an appointment.

Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

During the first week after your braces are in place or after your routine adjustments are completed, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take panadol while you adjust to your new braces.

Mouth ulcers

Rinse with warm salt water or chlorhexidine mouthrinses to assist in healing of ulcers. You may also place some ulcer cream over the sore area to relieve the pain.

Spacing

If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth while you have braces on, do not panic. This is expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.

Bleeding

If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing, that usually means there is a localised area of infection. Continue to keep the area clean by brushing and flossing and the condition should improve. If a particular area has a swelling or some discharges, call the clinic.

Lost retainers

If your retainers are cracked or lost, return to the clinic to have them replaced as soon as possible. Simple relapse can be treated easily. Too much relapse may require extensive treatment.