Emergency Care

Maybe you had a collision playing basketball in the driveway, maybe you ate something sticky you should have avoided, maybe the cement on the band failed - whatever the reason you have a broken or loose band or other appliance. 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.

Should your emergency occur after office hours call our office and follow the directions on the voicemail.

Loose brackets or bands

Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be replaced as soon as possible. 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.

Discomfort with orthodontic treatment

During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some soreness or discomfort. You may take over the counter pain relievers as necessary.