Fortunately, orthodontic emergencies are rare. But, when something isn’t right it can be a nuisance. Our primary concern is the patient’s safety and comfort. By becoming familiar with the appliances in your mouth and how to handle small problems that may occur during treatment, you can help make your experience with braces a pleasant one.
 

Glossary of Terms

1. Band: the metal ring that is glued to the tooth

2. Hooks: used to attach rubber bands 

3. Archwire: the wire that fits into the bands and brackets and allows tooth movement 

4. Elastic Tie: holds the wire onto the teeth 

5. Bracket: glued onto the teeth to enable movement 

6. Chain Elastic: continuous elastic used to close spaces between teeth 

7. Wire Ligature Tie: holds the wire into place; can also be used to hold elastics

Many of the problems our patients encounter are minor and can be corrected at home. Please make sure to keep the wax that we gave you handy at all times. It can often solve the problem, promote healing, or at least keep you comfortable until you can be seen at the office. If you have misplaced the wax, you will find it available for purchase at many drugstores. In a dire circumstance, substitute gum or even candle wax to keep you comfortable until you can come in for a visit!

Sore Teeth

Teeth are often sore after an orthodontic adjustment. This is normal and may last for three to four days. Rinsing your mouth with warm water will help. If there are no known allergies to these medications, Tylenol or Advil will decrease the discomfort.

Lost Wax

Call the office for more. In an emergency you can find orthodontic wax in many local drugstores. Gum or candle wax will also help.

Lost or Broken Appliance

Call the office to schedule an appointment for a replacement. If broken, bring the appliance to be evaluated for repair.

Appliance Does Not Fit

Call the office for an appointment. Do not try to force an appliance into place. This may break it and require us to make you another.

Lost Elastic or Ligature Tie

Broken Chain Elastic

Wire Sticking Out or Cutting

OR ... Using a clean wire cutter or nail clipper, you may cut the wire flush to the band or bracket.

Wire Out of the Band or Bracket And Broken Wires

Wax over the area will make it more comfortable until you can be seen in the office.

OR ... You may also cut the wire using a clean wire cutter or nail clipper.

It’s best to cut the wire flush to the first band or bracket that is still attached to a tooth. Call the office for an appointment to replace the wire.

Broken Bracket (Separated From Tooth)

OR ...If the bracket is moving and irritating to the patient, the bracket may be taken off the wire by removing the elastic rubber band around the bracket using a tweezer or toothpick.

Loose Band

IF A SERIOUS INJURY INVOLVING THE TEETH OCCURS DURING TREATMENT, CALL YOUR FAMILY DENTIST IMMEDIATELY.

In order to minimize any problems while wearing braces, remember to watch what you eat. Hard and sticky foods will break the brackets and pull the bands off the teeth. Do not put your fingers in your mouth to play with the appliances. This can also cause items to become loose. And remember to always wear a mouth protector when playing any sports!