Emergencies

Typical emergencies and how to solve them

Loose Brackets or Bands

If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by the gate attached to the bracket. Tweezers can be used to reposition the bracket if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Any time a bracket becomes loose please call our office and inform us of the problem so that it can be repaired and overall treatment time won't be extended. If a piece of your braces breaks, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.

Lost Separators

If a rubber spacer or separator falls out, call our office so we can arrange to replace it. If it happens the day before your appointment to put on braces or bands, you do not need to do anything.

If You Swallow Something

Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. It will usually go into the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if you experience difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece.

Broken Retainer

If a retainer cracks or breaks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all of the pieces to our office for professional repair or to start the process of making a new retainer. If a fixed retainer breaks, call our office to schedule a non-emergency evaluation or repair.

Sore Teeth or Sore Gums

Take ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your teeth are sore after your appointment. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS, PARTICULARLY IF YOU HAVE ANY HISTORY OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS. Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt can also be soothing. If your teeth get sore suddenly between appointments, give us a call. It is unusual for teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.

If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding doesn't stop, call your family dentist or our office.

Minor irritations and canker sores will heal much more quickly if you apply Zylactin or Orabase according to the manufacturer's directions. You can purchase these products over the counter at most pharmacies and convenience stores. Should you require immediate attention please call our office at 281-693-1333. If the emergency is after hours there will be further instructions on our answering machine.