Sometimes you cannot avoid and orthodontic emergency. Many problems are easy to fix temporarily at home until you arrange an appointment with your orthodontist. If you feel you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency, you should call our California orthodontist as soon as you can.
Here are a few examples of what can happen in orthodontic emergency:
• Loose Brackets or Bands — If a bracket comes loose but remains attached to the wire, you should leave it in place. If the bracket is causing some irritation, it can be covered with the wax your orthodontist gave you. If the band or bracket comes off the wire, you should keep it and bring it to your next appointment at one of our California offices.
• Poking Arch Wires — Sometimes the wires will be less rigid and because of the pressures of eating and brushing and they can shift. When this takes place, the wire can pierce your cheek in the back of your mouth. To try to deal with this situation until you can see your orthodontist, try placing some wax on the area to stop the wire from poking you. If this is not enough, you can cut the wire as near as you can to the bracket.
• Poking Wires or Wire Ties — Towards the end of your treatment single wire ties may be put on your teeth to close any spaces. Usually, these are very thin wires and the end of the wire may start to stick out. If this happens, take a pencil eraserl and press the wire that is protruding to move it out of the way from your cheek or lips.
• Lost Rubber Band Hook — It is vital in order to obtain maximum results and to ensure your treatment keeps to schedule that you wear your elastics as instructed. However, if you do lose a rubber band hook, try to attach the rubber band to the most forward part of the bracket nearest to the gum and schedule an appointment with your dentist to replace the hook.
Whenever possible, you should not allow your appliances to remain unfixed for long periods as this can cause disruptions in your treatment.
For more information about what to do during an orthodontic emergency, contact us today at Unique Orthodontics and schedule a consultation! Our team serves California with offices in Clovis, Fresno, and Madera.
