Orthodontic EMERGENCIES

Orthodontic problems can sometimes happen. But there are 3 main ways in which you can reduce the risk of orthodontic emergencies and the need for additional trips to the orthodontist:

• Exemplary oral hygiene – brushing 3 times a day with their standard toothbrush, followed by interproximal brush use. As an adjunct, use of a fluoride mouthrinse once a day.
• Low sugar diet – Where possible avoid all snacking on sugars and drinks. Fizzy drinks should be avoided in particular. Replace all sweet snacks with savoury where possible e.g. cheese, crackers, soft crisps such as Quavers or Skips, and rice cakes.
• Avoid hard, sticky and hard foodstuffs that could break the brace wire or fracture brackets (debond) off a tooth.

Below you will find a list of the orthodontic emergencies that can happen and ways you can help fix them at home, avoiding the need for a visit to the practice. We have also included some useful demonstration videos. If you have any concerns, please contact the practice.

Wires digging in:

• If a thin wire, it may be possible for you or family member to use tweezers to replace wire in the tube/band or tweezers and a nail clipper/scissors/cuticle scissors to shorten the long end.

• It may be that a thin wire is the correct size but may have rotated round the teeth so that it is short on one side and long on the other. Using tweezers, a pencil with a rubber on the end or a teaspoon, it may be possible to push the wire back round to prevent the long end digging in.

• If the wire is very thick and stiff it may not be possible to cut the wire with home instruments. If this is the case it may be necessary to cover the wire to prevent it being sharp. In these cases, call the practice ASAP to arrange an emergency appointment and use the orthodontic wax that you have been given to cover the sharp end of the wire. If you run out, more wax can be collected from the practice or you can use a wax covering from hard cheese (e.g. baby-bell, cheddar while waiting to get into the practice.

Bracket off:

• This is not urgent and can be left until your next appointment if it is not causing you any pain or discomfort.

• If the broken bracket is moving around and causing irritation to the inside of your mouth, cover the bracket with your orthodontic wax and call the practice to arrange an emergency appointment.

Elastic Bands:

• If you swallow any elastics, there is nothing to worry about.

• If you run low or out of elastics please call into the practice to collect some more or we can send you some more out via the post. Please keep hold of your elastic packaging to ensure you are provided with the same size and strength elastics.

Lost module(s):

• This will not result in any discomfort so no action is required.

• If concerned, try and make wire where the module has been lost secure with your orthodontic wax.

Exposed end of wire tie – long ligature or short ligature:

• If the twisted end is sharp, you can re-tuck sharp end underneath the wire or around the nearest bracket using your nail, a teaspoon or tweezers. You may need someone to help you with this.

• If the wire is fractured, you can remove the broken wire with tweezers if necessary.

• If you are unable to correct the issue, cover for comfort using your orthodontic wax and call the practice ASAP to arrange an emergency appointment.

Broken bonded retainers:

• Please call the practice ASAP to arrange an emergency appointment.

• Push wire back down towards the tooth as much as possible using your fingers or tweezers.

• Cover with your orthodontic wax.

• If still very sharp, you can cut the exposed unbonded wire using tweezers and nail clippers/scissors. However please be aware that if you cut the wire and it cannot be re-used, there will be a charge to replace your full retainer (£105) as opposed to just repairing it (£55).

• Gently pull the wire to remove the whole retainer and keep intact to bring to your next appointment so it can be replaced.

• Increased the wear your night-time removable retainer to ensure there is no movement of your teeth.

Still need help?

Give us a call on 0151 228 3643 and we can talk through the best options for your individual needs!