Loose Bracket
If a brace (bracket) comes loose from a tooth, it usually remains connected to the main wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Tweezers can be used to reposition the bracket if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office at your earliest convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit to repair the loose bracket, since repairs of this nature usually take additional time. If it is a back bracket and it comes off the wire, please keep the bracket and bring it to your next appointment.
Poking Wire
If the main wire has come out of a molar bracket, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle nosed pliers or tweezers. Molar brackets have a simple tube the wire slides into (there is no door to open or close). If you are unable to replace the wire in the bracket and it does not poke or catch your cheek, it is okay to leave it as-is until your next appointment. If the wire is poking you, place a small piece of a cotton ball over the area. If the wire is poking and cotton does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close to the back of the last brace.
Poking Ligature
If a ligature (thin metal wire that has been tied across several teeth under the main archwire) is poking you, first try to tuck the poking section down with a spoon or pencil eraser. If you are unsuccessful, place a small piece of wax or wet cotton over it until you can come in for an appointment.
Space
If you notice some small spaces developing between your teeth while you have braces on, don’t panic! This is usually normal and expected as teeth move into different positions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They will be closed eventually.
Separators
If a separator falls out, refer to your separator kit and instruction sheet to replace the separator. If you are unable to replace the separator, call our office.
Bleeding Gums
If you experience any bleeding when brushing or flossing, that usually means there is a local area of irritation or infection. Continue to keep the area clean by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with Peroxyl. If a particular area is painful, or you notice a bump of any sort, please call for an appointment to have it evaluated.
AFTER HOURS
If you are a patient of ours and need further direction or assistance with an orthodontic problem after hours or Friday-Sunday, please call 231-689-6618.