There is an assistant
on call in the Orem office for any emergency experienced between
Thursday evening and Sunday night. The emergency phone number 319-7173.
Call and an assistant will arrange to meet you. An emergency can
include: loss separator, poking wire or a broken appliance.
If you have an emergency during the week we will schedule
you during school hours because of our busy schedule and short appointment
times that are only available in the afternoon.
Emergencies and other orthodontic concerns
Emergencies
Loss of a separator - It's ok if you lose a separator the
day before your banding appointment. Call our office if your banding
appointment is several days away and we'll schedule you an appointment.
Poking wire-As your teeth move wires may need to
be clipped. Placing some wax over the poking wire will relieve the
discomfort. If a wire becomes too long call our office and we'll
arrange a time for you to come in.
Loose or broken appliance -Call us immediately
if an appliance becomes loose or broken.
Loose chain - Call us immediately, this can cause
teeth to start rotating. The chain will need to be replaced ASAP.
Orthodontic Concerns
Initial tenderness - You may experience tenderness
in your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth after braces are
placed or after an adjustment. This is normal; your mouth needs
to adjust to the appliance. Make sure to keep your teeth clean,
trapped food can cause pain. Check the bag you received when you
first started treatment for wax, Peroxil and Amosan. All of these
can help relieve the initial tenderness and discomfort. Use Advil
or Tylenol as needed. Have your parent help you.
Mild tooth movement - You may notice your teeth
feeling slightly loose: this is normal. As the tooth moves the bone
softens and allows wiggle-room for your tooth. When the tooth reaches
the correct position the bone will again harden and the tooth will
be firmly in place.
Loose bracket - This is not always an emergency.
On occasion a glued bracket may become loose or come off a tooth.
Most often this is a result of eating hard or sticky foods. If your
appointment is close it can probably wait. Call our office and we'll
help you assess the urgency.
Loose wire or wire out of bracket - If you notice
the wire is not secured to the bracket be especially careful to
avoid hard or sticky foods as this can bend the wire or cause it
to come out of place.
Ligature has come off bracket - A ligature is small
colored o-ring that secures the wire to the bracket. Hard or sticky
foods can cause these to come off. If one comes off and your appointment
is near, just wait until your scheduled appointment to come in.
Otherwise please call our office and we'll help you assess the urgency.
Loose molar band - Swish with water frequently
and be extra careful to keep food out of the loose band. Call our
office during business hours. This will require re-cementing the
band to the teeth.
Wire out of bracket - Try using wax to cover the
end of the poking wire so it does not irritate your cheek. You can
also use the eraser of a pencil to try to turn the wire so it is
not poking into the cheek. Call our office immediately if this goes
from being uncomfortable to painful.
Poking hook - Gently keep the area clean. This
is very important as food can irritate gums and cause them to swell.
Massage the gums, and use wax to cover the hook.
Sore teeth - Teeth are frequently sore throughout
the orthodontic process. Take Advil or Tylenol as needed. Have your
parent help you.
Swollen Gums - This usually is caused by poor hygiene.
Massaging your teeth and gums with a soft bristled toothbrush keeps
teeth and gums healthy and keeps your mouth free from food debris.
By not doing this gums can become very puffy and swollen and actually
cover brackets or appliances. Brush your
teeth after every meal and floss at least once daily.
For
more information on emergencies (including pictures) click here.
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