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Emergency Care

SOME COMMON
ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES

Listed below are some helpful hints that can assist you if a minor problem occurs during your orthodontic treatment. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, call us so we can make an appointment for the repair.

Problem	Solution
Loose brackets or bands	If the bracket or band has detached from the tooth but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If you experience any discomfort, cover with wax. If the bracket or band detaches completely, try to bring it with you to the next appointment. If there is a situation where you need to cut the wire or slide the bracket off of the wire, clippers that have been washed and a wire-cutter or toenail clipper disinfected in alcohol can be used. Please call our office on the next business day to schedule an appointment for the repair.
Wire tie or Elastic tie comes off	Elastic ties are small round elastic rubber bands that go around the square bracket. There also could be a metal tie laced around the brackets. Sometimes ties do come off the brackets. This usually isn’t an immediate emergency unless there is discomfort.
Removable Appliance not fitting	Contact the office.
Soreness	An over the counter pain reliever such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin is recommended. A warm salt water rinse may be helpful. Sugarless chewing gum (in moderation) can also aid by increasing the blood flow.
Wire out of Molar Band Tube	With a clean pair of tweezers you can place the wire back into the band tube. If any discomfort persists, place wax over the area and call the office for an appointment.
Poking Wire	If the wire pokes through the back of the molar band, wax can be used to cover the area. Also you can put wet cotton and wax over it so it stays in place better. If a tie wire is poking, it can be put back with the end of a pencil eraser or back of a spoon.
Separator Falls Out	Call our office on the next business day to see if it needs to be replaced. If it is lost a day before the appointment, there is no need to replace it.
Accidents Involving the Teeth	Call your dentist immediately
Ran Out of Rubber Bands	Call the office so we can send some to you in the mail.

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Kathleen J. Nuckles, Orthodontist | 10921 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1003 | Los Angeles, CA 90024 | Tel: 310.208.8273 | Fax: 310.208.0104

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