Emergencies
Broken braces wires
If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If you can't reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze until you can get to your orthodontist's office. Never cut the wire, as you could end up swallowing it or breathing it into your lungs.
Loose brackets and bands
Temporarily reattach loose braces with a small piece of orthodontic wax. Alternatively, place the wax over the braces to provide a cushion. See your orthodontist as soon as possible. If the problem is a loose band, save it and call your orthodontist for an appointment to have it re-cemented or replaced (and to have missing spacers replaced).
If a rubber spacer falls out
Take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Then pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer and slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. When the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer should now be back in place.
If a wire is causing irritation
Try pushing the wire away from the area being irritated using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-Tip. If the wire cannot be tucked in, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum, until you can see your orthodontist for a adjustment. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
If the main wire has come out
If the main wire has come out of the tube or pipe on the back molar tooth, you may attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle nosed pliers or tweezers. If you are having a difficult time and the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
If a bracket is loose
If a bracket (the small rectangular brace) is loose, in most cases, it will remain connected to the main wire by a little rubber ring that is often colored. A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until you are seen in our office. You may use a pair of eyebrow tweezers to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office as soon as you notice a loose band or bracket so we can schedule you to be seen to reattach the loose appliance.
If a piece of your braces breaks
If a piece of your braces breaks, save the piece and call your orthodontist to schedule a repair visit.
If the archwire breaks
If the archwire breaks, or if it is irritating the gum or cheek tissue, please call the office to for an appointment to be seen as soon as possible for replacement or adjustment.
If your headgear gets bent
If your headgear gets bent or is not fitting well it should not be worn until it can be properly adjusted in our office.
If a retainer cracks
If a retainer cracks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to your orthodontist for a professional repair.
If you swallow a piece of your appliance
If you swallow a piece of your appliance, try to remain calm. A swallowed piece will usually go either into the stomach or the lungs. Most of the time it will go in the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the position of the swallowed piece and your physicians will counsel you on your options concerning retrieval of the stray piece.
