Emergency Info
What to Do in Case of Emergency
Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Appliances that are hanging loose in the mouth are potentially dangerous and need immediate attention. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired. For after-hours emergencies, call the office at (281) 421-1100 and press 2. Drs. Buck, Johnston or a staff member who is on call will be available to advise you.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Call our office for advice if a bracket is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-bonded. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire. We have a staff member on call during the evenings and weekends. Call the office at (281) 421-1100 and follow the after-hours instructions carefully. We will return your call to advise you on the best thing to do.
If an “O” ring (the colored rubber band which holds the wire in each bracket) comes off, this can wait until your next appointment to be replaced. As long as the wire is still securely in place, there is no danger of tooth movement.
Wire Irritations
A poking wire is one problem that can occur with braces. Although we always cut the ends of the wire before the patient leaves the office, sometimes the teeth will move later on, and the resulting “extra” wire may begin to poke out the back of the last brace. If this happens, place some wax on the area. This will usually make you comfortable until we can clip it for you. Do not try to cut the wire yourself, as it requires a special type of cutter.
Lost Separators
Call the office at least a day before your scheduled appointment to have it replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are placed, and after routine adjustments, you will likely feel some soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your braces. The tissues of the mouth will also need time to adjust to the braces. Irritations can be helped or avoided by use of wax. Braces should not cause excessive pain. Call our office if the pain worsens or persists.