EMERGENCIES

• Loose Bracket or Band
  Call our office as soon as possible to notify us. It may be necessary for us to schedule an appointment to re-attach the appliance. If a bracket or band is attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, place wax over the bracket or band. If the bracket or band is completely off the wire, save the appliance and bring it with you to your next appointment.
  
• Loose wire
  Try to place the wire back in place using tweezers. If that is not possible and the wire is poking you, use the back of a spoon or an eraser to bend the end of the wire toward the teeth so you are comfortable. If someone is able to reach the end of the wire with fingernail clippers, the end may be snipped off just behind the last bracket or band. You may also use wax if the wire is sharp or poking. Call our office as quickly as possible.
  
• Poking wire
  Try to push the wire back in place with a pencil eraser or other blunt object. Place wax over any sharp areas, if needed. Call our office if you are still uncomfortable.
  
• Lost “O” or tie-wire
  This is not an emergency unless several are missing or the patient is uncomfortable. If the next appointment is not for several weeks, please call to arrange a time for us to replace those.
  
• Soreness
  Patients should expect some tenderness when chewing for 3 to 4 days after appointments, especially in the beginning of treatment when teeth are re-positioning the most. New archwires, new elastics, new power chains, new appliances will all cause some tenderness for a few days after initial placement. Taking Tylenol or Acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours until comfortable will lessen the tenderness. (Patients receiving spacers and a week later, braces, are advised to take 500 mg. of Tylenol/Acetaminophen 1 hour before the appointment and 6 hours later.)DO NOT exceed 8 capsules in 24 hours.Children under 12 take 1/2 of the above.Eating softer foods until discomfort has eased will also help.
  
  Soreness in the mouth due to canker sores, etc. will be reduced by using warm salt water rinses and the Orabase ointment which we provide. Also placing wax over the braces in the areas of irritation will lessen discomfort.
  
• Broken or loose appliances
  Appliances such as retainers or lip bumpers, if lost or broken, should be replaced or repaired as quickly as possible to prevent movement of the teeth. Patients should wear retainers full time (except for meals/snacks and activities where the appliances might be lost or broken). Retainers worn full time after removal of the braces will maintain proper occlusion.
  
  Expanders, headgear, Jasper Jumpers (“JJ’s”) and attached retainers should be seen by the Doctor as soon as possible in the event of breakage. If the patient is uncomfortable and the appliance is not removable, place wax on the appliance for comfort and call us.

NOTE: Anytime we are notified that a patient is in pain or uncomfortable, we make every effort to see that patient as soon as they can arrive at our office. Should you not be comfortable with the procedures listed above and our office is not open, please phone Dr. Sputh at home (the number is listed in the booklet you received at your Consultation appointment) or call your family Dentist for assistance.