Emergencies
We have listed below for your covenience a list of the most common orthodontic emergencies and easy remedies for temporary relief. Should you have an emergency that requires after hours attention from a doctor please call us at (858)-676-5010,
If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-Tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see the doctor for an adjustment.
If the main wire has come out of the tube on your back molar tooth, you may attempt to insert the wire with your finger, a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not poking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is poking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or fingernail clipper close to the back of the last brace (this is a last resort). Please call our office immediately so that we may schedule an appointment to make you comfortable and repair the broken appliance or wire.
If a spacer or separator falls out use a double thickness of floss to check the area. If the double thickness floss catches between the teeth call our office so that we may help you schedule an appointment to replace the spacer. If the double thickness of floss does not catch between the teeth it means there is adequate space and the spacer does not need to be replaced. In some instances replacement of the missing spacer may not be necessary- our staff will ask the doctor if replacement of the spacer is necessary.
If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a small rubber colored ring. Tweezers may be used to reposition the brace and wax will hold it in place should it be a source of gum or lip irritation. Please call our office immediately so that we may schedule an appointment to make you comfortable and repair the broken bracket.
Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. You may use the diagram provided in your new patient kit to determine what piece may have been swallowed. This will usually go into the stomach, passing out of the body in a bowel movement. If you should experience difficulty breathing, coughing or choking you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays may be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece. Please inform one of the Doctors if you swallow any piece of an orthodontic appliance.
If your retainer is broken remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for repair by the laboratory.
If you have sore teeth after your adjustment or initial placement of your braces take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as prescribed by the doctor or as directed on the medication by age and weight. It is not uncommon to have a generalized soreness after a wire adjustment. This soreness will decrease over 3-4 days. Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of salt mixed can also be soothing. It is unusual for patients to have unexplained tooth discomfort several weeks after your last regular visit. If your teeth suddenly get sore between visits you should call our office.
If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
If you cut your gums, tongue or cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. Be aware that a small amount of blood in your mouth may appear larger in your mouth because of the presence of saliva. If the bleeding does not stop, call your orthodontist, pediatric dentist, or general dentist.