Orthodontic Problems and Emergencies:

If you experience a wire poke from a broken or long wire, try clipping the end with a fingernail clipper. If you are unable to clip the end of the wire, try placing some wax over it. Some wire ends can be tucked out of the way with the end of a spoon. Make sure to call the office the next business day if you are unsuccessful in resolving the problem.

If you have a traumatic injury resulting in cuts to the lips or gums or if teeth are displaced, please contact our office immediately. If you have broken any part of the tooth, or it has been knocked out, you will need to contact your dentist first, since we do not have the materials necessary to treat these injuries. If the orthodontic appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust them as soon as possible. If you suspect that your jaw has been injured, or notice that your teeth have been moved by the accident, you may need to be seen by an oral surgeon.

It is not an emergency if a bracket or band comes loose from the tooth or separator falls out. We really need to know this, however, so please call us the next business day to report this. We will make an appointment to address the situation as soon as possible.

If you are out of town and have a loose band or bracket that is causing pain, find a local orthodontist or dentist and ask him/her to make you comfortable. Always keep, and remove from your mouth, any band, bracket, wire, or any other orthodontic device that comes loose. If you have any questions or are unclear if a situation constitutes an emergency, please call our office and an emergency number will be available for you to call.