Orthodontic emergencies

Most orthodontic issues aren’t urgent, and can be fixed at your next appointment. Here’s how to handle common problems.

Poking Wires

Problems with wires?

If a wire at the back of your braces is an annoyance, push the wire under the hook of your back brace with the eraser end of a pencil. If the wire cannot be repositioned, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an appointment.

If the main wire has come out of the back brace tube, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of tweezers. If the irritation continues and you cannot make it to us to have it fixed, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or fingernail clipper close to the back of the last brace.

View a detailed video guide here

Loose brackets or bands

What to do if you have loose brackets or bands

If a brace becomes loose, it usually has debonded from the tooth it was glued to and remain attached to the main wire. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes an area of irritation. Please call our office to let us know that it has happened and our staff will advise you if a scheduled repair appointment is required.

Lost Separator

Have you lost your Orthodontic Separator?

If a rubber separator ring between your back teeth falls out, call our office to seek advice on whether it needs to be replaced or not. If this happens the day prior to your next appointment, then you do not need to contact us or do anything.

View a detailed video guide here

Elastics

Have you lost elastics or do you need more elastics?

If you have been prescribed elastics for your orthodontic treatment, it is very important that these are worn as instructed. If you have lost your elastics or need more, call us. We will post some out to you or visit the practice to receive more anytime.

Swallowed something?

Have you swallowed something accidentally?

Remain calm if you swallow a part of your orthodontic appliance. It will usually pass through your stomach and out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if you experience difficulty breathing or feel that you might have inhaled something, please seek immediate medical attention.

Retainers

Have you broken or lost your orthodontic retainer?

If a retainer breaks or is lost, contact us at your earliest convenience. Remove the broken retainer pieces from your mouth and bring them to your repair appointment. Often broken retainers need to be remade.

Ulceration

Experiencing ulceration from your braces

If an ulcer occurs on your cheeks, provide relief to this area by placing a small amount of “brace relief” gel provided to you at your first brace appointment. You can also dry the area and place a small amount of wax on any annoying part of your braces. Ulcers can also be relieved by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salty water.

Orthodontic plates

Are you having rouble with orthodontic plates (including twin blocks)?

It is not uncommon to have a sore spot or ulceration from your plates in the first week of wearing them. Bonjela applied to the area may provide some relief. Please continue to wear your plates if possible, as a last resort, wear your plates only at night when going to bed until you can be seen by us to make an adjustment to your plates.

Twin Block plates are difficult to wear. The first week of wear is the hardest because the jaw muscles are adapting to your new jaw position. Your tongue and lips require time to readapt to these plates, particularly speech will take a couple of weeks to normalise.