Orthodontic Emergency, Orthodontic 911, Braces care, Illinois

Helpful Hints for Orthodontic Emergencies:

At Associated Orthodontists, we always want you to feel well taken care of and have resources for your questions. Although it is unusual, below are answers to situations that may occur.

Feel free to call our office anytime and discuss any issue that is not listed below. Your comfort is our main goal.

LOOSE BRACKETS

Loose brackets will extend treatment and require an appointment to re-bond. Please contact our office during regular business hours to schedule this appointment.

If you have a loose bracket and it is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, place wax on it. If the bracket comes off completely, put it in a ziploc bag and bring it with you to your appointment.

BROKEN, LOOSE OR POKING WIRES

If your wire is broken, please call our office to make an appointment to be seen.

If a wire comes loose, try to place it back into the bracket with tweezers. If this is not possible, clip the wire with clean, sterilized wire cutters. You will cut the wire behind the last bracket it is completely through. If there is any discomfort, place wax on it.

For a wire that is poking, use wire cutters and cut it flush with the bracket.

SORENESS

Over the course of treatment, you will experience some soreness or discomfort. This primarily happens after placement of braces or appliances and after adjustments. If you do experience soreness or discomfort, you may take Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol or Advil. The soreness will decrease as time goes by.

IRRITATIONS

Sometimes your appliances can cause irritations to your tongue, cheeks, lips or gums. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help heal the irritation. Wax can also be used to cover the appliance causing the irritation.

RETAINERS

REMOVABLE RETAINERS:

If you have lost or broken your retainer, please call our office to schedule an appointment. If a replacement retainer is needed, an impression will be taken and there will be a replacement charge due before the retainer can be made.

FIXED/BONDED RETAINERS:

If your fixed/bonded retainer is poking, loose, or broken, please call our office to schedule an appointment to be seen. For a quick fix, if it is poking, you may place wax on it. If there is a sharp edge, you may clip it with clean, sterile wire cutters. If the whole wire comes out completely, save the wire and bring it with you to your appointment.

HERBST APPLIANCE

Occasionally, the arms have a tendency of sticking and this causes problems with opening and closing. If this happens, you may apply vegetable oil to the arms with a q-tip to lubricate them. If a band (crown) comes loose or the arms break or come loose, please call the office to be seen so that we may resolve the issue.