Broken or Loose Appliance
Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your
appliances. Please do not come directly to the office - by calling us, you
will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular
appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an
appliance repaired.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The
bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible. Bring the bracket
and/or band with you to your next appointment. You may have a situation that
requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the
weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use
fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please
call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an
appointment for you.
Wire Irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by
moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser.
If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of
cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with
nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.
If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an
appointment.
Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about
losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and after routine
adjustments are completed, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or
discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers
while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may
reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores
persist, call to make an appointment with our Pediatric dentist (352) 748
9688.
