Emergencies

True orthodontic emergencies are thankfully very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should notify the practice when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem you can’t take care of yourself. We will schedule an appropriate appointment to resolve the problem.

Parts of your braces
1. Bracket – the attachment bonded (glued) to the tooth.
2. Archwire – a removable wire that fits around the arch and slots into the brackets.
3. ‘O’ ring – plastic/rubber ring which ties the arch wire into the bracket.
4. Ligature wire – tiny wire that ties the arch wire into the bracket.
5. Hooks – used to attach elastics (rubber bands).
6. Band – a ring of metal with the bracket attached which is glued around the tooth.

When wearing braces it is possible that a problem such as a loose bracket, loose wire or a poking wire may occur. Most problems are not urgent unless they are causing pain. You can contact the practice and you will be given an emergency appointment with an orthodontic auxiliary within 48 hours. These visits, however, are scheduled in school time.

Loose Bracket
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place – if it is uncomfortable, place wax on it. Please notify us if this occurs.

Loose Wire
Try to place the wire back in position. If this is not possible please notify us.

Sharp Wire
Try to push the wire down with the blunt end of a spoon or a pencil with a rubber end. If this is not possible, place wax on the sharp end and please notify us. If you do not have wax, you can try placing sugar-free gum over the sharp area, as an alternative.

Missing Module
One missing module is not usually an emergency. The brackets on either side will usually support the missing module until your next visit.  Please use your discretion as to whether or not you need to contact us.