ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES

Most orthodontic emergencies can be managed at home by following the instructions below:

Broken Bracket/Spring/Appliance

If the braces/spring/appliance have come loose in any way, call your orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps. Place wax on the broken bracket/spring/appliance if it is causing discomfort.

Protruding Wire

Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and can irritate the mouth. Use a Q-tip or clean tweezers and try to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. Please call the office if the wire cannot be placed back in its appropriate place or it’s bothering the patient.

Irritation in Mouth

Sometimes braces or wires can be irritating to the mouth, especially when eating. A small amount of orthodontic relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. Wax can be purchased at any drug store if you are unable to get some from your orthodontist during this time.

Discomfort

It's normal for a patient to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. But it can make eating uncomfortable. Reassure the patient that the discomfort is both normal and temporary. Encourage soft foods. Have the patient rinse the mouth with warm salt water.

O-Ring Comes Off

An o-ring is the tiny rubber band or sometimes a very thin wire (ligature), that holds the orthodontic wire in the bracket/brace. If rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using disinfected tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with the tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Please call our office if the o-ring comes off and you’re unable to place it back in its appropriate spot.

Food Caught Between Teeth

This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braceswearing patient. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food, or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.