ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES

There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be remedied at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, call us as soon as possible so that we may fit you in for a repair appointment. In the meantime, the information below can help resolve minor problems you may encounter during your orthodontic treatment.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Emergencies do arise during orthodontic treatment, however most situations do not require immediate attention.  If you are involved in some type of accident which resulted in a traumatic blow to your mouth with lost or displaced teeth this would be a true dental emergency. These more significant traumatic events are typically managed at the University of Alberta Hospital's Emergency Dental Clinic.

The following is a list of potential problems that may arise during your treatment:

LOOSE BRACKETS OR BANDS

If you have a bracket or band that comes loose, please call or email our office and the receptionist will instruct you in the proper course of action.  A bracket most often will need to be re-cemented but sometimes can wait until your next scheduled appointment.  A band should be re-cemented as soon as it is possible for us to see you for a repair appointment. In the meantime you can use a small amount of orthodontic wax to relieve irritation in any problem areas.

Should you break a bracket that your elastics are attached to, please discontinue ALL elastics use until the bracket is repaired.

At the start of treatment, it is not uncommon for the orthodontic archwire to not extend to the very last bracket. This is not a cause for concern and was done intentionally. Should that last bracket that is not connected to the archwire come loose, this is not a problem and it will be repaired at your next regularly scheduled appointment. If there is discomfort associated with this, please use orthodontic wax for interim relief.

WIRE IRRITATIONS

Sometimes a wire may be ‘poking’ you in the back of your mouth, we can ‘snip’ the wire to relieve the discomfort.  Please call or email our office and the receptionist will schedule a time to have you come in and have this taken care of.  In the meantime you can use a small amount of orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to relieve the discomfort. In rare situations, such as being out of town and unable to come in for an appointment, you may use clean nail-clippers to attempt to ‘snip’ the wire to relieve the area of discomfort. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.

At the start of treatment, it is not uncommon for the orthodontic archwire to not extend to the very last bracket. This is not a cause for concern and was done intentionally.

LOST SEPARATORS

Separators are sometimes placed prior to starting orthodontic treatment as well as prior to cementing certain appliances.  If a separator falls out, in certain situations the separator will need to be replaced and in other situations it is okay to leave it out. At the time the separators were placed in our office, we will have instructed you on the proper replacement of a lost separator using dental floss. Should there be any difficulties in the replacement of a lost separator, or for further guidance, please call or email our office and we will advise if your separator will need to be replaced. 

DISCOMFORT WITH ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

During the first week or two after your braces are placed and in some cases after routine orthodontic adjustment appointments you may feel some soreness or discomfort. Warm salt water rinses can be comforting.  Over the counter pain relievers will typically ease discomfort. 

Children should never take medication unless under the direction of an adult.