What to do in case of emergency
If a band or bracket comes loose, a wire bends or breaks, something is sharp or sticking, or something just appears out of the ordinary, please call our office to schedule an emergency appointment. For your convenience, please do not come directly to the office. Emergency time is reserved daily. If time is available the damage will be repaired, but this is not always possible due to previously scheduled patients. If time only allows us to make you comfortable and repairs are not made, they will either be done at your regular scheduled appointment or another appointment will be scheduled.
Loose Braces
Leave the brace in position, cover with wax to stabilize it and call our office during regular business hours. Please remember to bring any braces, springs or other loose items with you to your appointment.Loose or Poking Wire
If a tie wire is turned out and irritating your mouth, cover it with wax or gently tuck it under the archwire with a pencil eraser. If an archwire that connects to your braces is poking you in the back of the mouth, try to slide the archwire in the opposite direction with tweezers. If these quick fixes do not relieve the pain or the archwire is broken, cover it with wax and call our office to schedule a repair appointment.
Wax is also helpful to smooth rough edges of brackets and bands while your mouth is adjusting to your new braces. To help the wax stick better, dry your brace before applying wax.Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
After your initial appliance placement, you should expect to be tender for approximately 4 days to a week. After your initial soreness is gone, you will only be sore 2 to 4 days after each adjustment. Advil, IBProfen, or Motrin taken every 4-6 hours will be helpful in making you more comfortable. During treatment discomfort will be decreased if you take an anti-inflammatory 1 hour before your appointment and then every 4-6 hours for the next 3-4 days. Chewing actually causes the soreness to go away more quickly so do not be afraid to eat when your teeth are sore. We recommend Trident White sugarless gum to help with the soreness and also to help keep your teeth cleaner during your treatment. Rinsing 3 times daily with warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water) is always helpful in healing of irritated areas.
Also peroxide rinses (half peroxide-half water) will help clean the irritated areas and ease discomfort.Lost retainer
If your retainer is lost or broken please call our office the next business day to schedule for repair or replacement. There will be additional charges for repair and replacement of retainers. Please bring your retainer if it is broken as we may be able to repair it at a reduced fee.Accident or Trauma
If an accident involving direct injury to the face, mouth or teeth occurs, please call our office. If it is after regular business hours you can leave a message in the emergency mailbox and someone will return your call as quickly as possible. If you are unable to reach anyone from our office, please contact your dentist. If you are unable to contact us or your dentist, please call any of the following emergency facilities where there will be an oral surgeon on call.
Catawba Valley Medical Center (828) 326-3000
Frye Regional Medical Center (828) 315-5000
University Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (704) 820-2982
