Orthodontic Emergencies
Our doctors work hard to ensure that every patient is treated as an individual by creating customized treatment plans and carefully addressing each patient’s unique needs.
Though our team works hard to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is as comfortable as possible, unforeseen problems do arise, and our doctors are here to address them when they do. Common orthodontic treatment problems and emergencies include:
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. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off of 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 at least one 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 routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness, and/or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm washcloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness of your jaw.
Fishbein Orthodontics wants to ensure that your orthodontic emergencies are treated as efficiently as possible. If you break or loosen any of your appliances, call one of our offices immediately. Please do not come directly to the office. When you call, you allow us the opportunity to create time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment, please call us immediately to notify us that you will need an appliance repaired.
We are proud to provide quality orthodontic care to all of our patients, and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions!
