Listed below are guidelines to assist you in resolving orthodontic emergencies. Please save this form and post in an accessible location such as on your refrigerator.

  1. Most orthodontic emergencies are "annoyances" for patients.
  2. It is rare that an orthodontic appliance difficulty requires immediate attention by an orthodontist. Please refer to "Specifics" for problems & solutions to assist you with an orthodontic appliance difficulty.
  3. When in doubt, please call the office number.
  4. Wax is helpful. It will provide relief of irritating areas in your mouth to promote comfort through an evening or weekend.
  5. The office number is covered by an answering machine during non-office hours. If your concern is a true orthodontic emergency (for example, if you are in pain or are unable to wait for general office hours), then follow the instructions on the answering machine to contact the clinical staff.
  6. Don't panic when a problem arises. Most difficulties can be resolved by telephone.
Loose bracket from tooth If the patient is comfortable, call the office during general office hours. Wax may be helpful. A new appointment may be scheduled.
Loose band from tooth The same as for a loose bracket (please see above).
Ligature or elastic tie falls off This can be ignored, unless other directions have been given. If a steel ligature tie unravels and is scratching the cheeks, lips or tongue, try to bend the steel tie back with a pencil eraser. You may also cover it with wax or snip the steel tie with wire cutters and/or nail cutters. Please call the office if you do cut the tie.
Arch wire broken or distorted
  1. If the patient is comfortable, call the office during general office hours.
  2. If the arch wire is scratching the cheek, cover it with wax. If you are not successful with the wax then cut the protruding porting of the wire with wire and/or nail cutters. Please call the office at the time of the incident.
  3. Sometimes it is possible to bend the wire gently back into the molar tube (if it has popped out of the molar tube).
Bracket/appliance irritating lip or tongue Assuming that no "breakage" or distortion is involved, wax will usually be sufficient. If in doubt, call the office during general office hours.
Poor-fitting retainer or any another removable orthodontic appliance Do not ignore this! Call the office at the time of incident.
Dislodged palatal expansion appliance Try to push it back into place and call the office. Wax may help to hold the appliance in place.
Major traumatic injury to face, jaws, inside of mouth
  1. Report to the emergency room. Request, or if necessary demand, that an oral surgeon examine mouth for loose teeth, broken jaw, lacerated lips, tongue, etc. Please call our office to inform us of the incident.
  2. If the injury is not sufficiently severe to report to the emergency room, but broken teeth, loose teeth or lacerations in the mouth are present, please call your dentist (and/or oral surgeon). Please call our office to inform us of the incident.
  3. Mouth guards should be worn during sports and other related activities. Please just ask, and we'll provide you with a mouth guard.

The most important aspect to remember is to avoid panic. Calm and collected thoughts in conjunction with the information given at our office will solve most orthodontic-related problems. If in doubt, please simply call us.