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What is an emergency? Separators: Bands: Bonds: Ligatures: Up Righting Springs: Retainers: Wires: Palatal Expander: General Trauma:
An emergency is a problem that causes you pain or makes you so uncomfortable that is affects your daily activities. From an orthodontic perspective, very few problems are emergencies. Your orthodontic treatment will not be compromised nor extended by waiting a short time before having a bond replaced, a band re-cemented or a wire cut.
What can I do when I am having an emergency, but I am out of town? In a true emergency or for significant discomfort, a local orthodontist will usually see you to make you comfortable. They might charge a fee, but most do it as a professional courtesy.
What should I do when my separators fall out? First off, don't worry. Call the office for an appointment to re-insert the separator(s) two days before your next appointment.
What should I do if the band becomes loose? Call the office to schedule an appointment. To prevent cavities this needs to be repaired reasonably quickly (within a few days).
What should I do if a molar band is irritating me? Use the wax you received when you got your braces. If the hook is bothering you, push it towards your gums using the eraser end of a pencil or a spoon. Call the office if the problem persists.
What should I do if the bond becomes loose? Call the office to schedule a repair appointment. Use wax if needed. This is not an emergency.
What should I do if a ligature falls off? Call and come in at your convenience to have it replaced. A missing ligature is not an emergency.
What should I do if the uprighting spring is irritating me? Use wax. If the problem persists call the office.
What should I do if the uprighting spring comes off? Call the office to schedule an appointment to have it replaced.
What should I do if I lose my retainer? If your retainer has wires in it, you need to come in for a new impression so a new retainer can be made. If the retainers are clear plastic, drop off the models to have a new set made.
What should I do when my retainers do not fit? Call the office to schedule an appointment and please make sure to bring the retainers and any models you have with you.
What should I do if a wire is poking me? If the wire or hook is poking you, try to bend it in toward the tooth with a pencil eraser or the back side of a spoon or put wax on it. If this is not successful, call the office.
What should I do if my Palatal Expander falls out? Call the office for an appointment as soon as possible.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out? AVULSION (Entire tooth knocked out):
LUXATION (Tooth in socket, but wrong position):
Lateral Displacement- Tooth pushed back or pulled forward.
Intruded Tooth- Toothed is pushed into gum- looks short.
FRACTURE (Broken Tooth)
*Thank you to the Academy for Sports Dentistry for the above information on what to for Emergency Treatment of Athletic Injuries.
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