Although orthodontic emergencies are infrequent, they do occur.
Some of the problems may consist of a loosened bracket or band, poking
or broken wire or a broken or loosened appliance. In many of these cases,
the problem can be temporarily corrected by you at home. If a problem
arises and you or your child are in discomfort, call us immediately
so that we can alleviate the discomfort. If the emergency occurs during
our office hours, call our office at (205)-752-4343.
If the emergency is after hours or on weekends or holidays, call our
office for further directions or contact Dr. Upton on his cellular phone
at (205) 799-9401.
Loose brackets or bands
Call
our office immediately for advice if a brace or wire is loosened. The
brace 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 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 a 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 or
discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers
while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad
may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Call
our office immediately for advice if a brace or wire is loosened. The
brace 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 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