Following a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, you should be seen by your general dentist as soon as possible. Usually an x-ray of the involved teeth is needed to ascertain the extent of the injury. If a tooth has been knocked out, severely displaced or fractured, it is best to contact your family dentist first, since we may not have the necessary materials needed to treat these injuries. Please call our office immediately after seeing your family dentist. We will need to replace or adjust braces as soon as possible. If you are unable to reach your dentist or an alternate facility, call our office and we will try to assist you in locating someone to care for the injury. Please discuss potential emergency procedures with your family dentist at your next visit to their office.
Emergencies Related To Orthodontic Appliances
If there is any disturbance, such as loose bands, braces, or broken and bent wires, call our office as soon as possible. We will evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule you accordingly. In the interim, the following are helpful hints to remedy some of the problems you may encounter.
• If a wire tie is irritating your mouth, cover it with ortho wax or tuck it under the archwire with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or cotton swab.
• A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until you are seen in our office. Call the office as soon as the next business day so we can schedule you to reattach the appliance.
• A broken archwire, or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue needs to be adjusted or replaced as soon as practical.
• Removable appliances (including retainers) that are not fitting well need to be seen as soon as the next business day.
Failure to come in because of your scheduling conflicts may result in relapse and the need to remake the appliance. This may result in a charge.
