What should I do if I loose a spacer or separator?
If you lose a rubber spacer or separator, please call our office to make an appointment so we can replace it.
What should I do if I have a loose or broken bracket, band or wire?
Please call our office to schedule a visit in order to fix the issue. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is- but don’t connect any elastics to it. You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it is irritating the inside of your mouth. If the bracket or band has come off, save it.
If a wire is broken or poking you in the cheek, gums, or tongue, use the eraser end of a pencil to push it away from the area. If it is still irritating your mouth cover the end of the wire with a piece of wax until you come in for evaluation. If an archwire has pulled out of the back bracket, try to put it back through the tube using a pair of tweezers and then place a piece of wax over the tube. If that still doesn’t help, you can cut the wire with fingernail clippers sterilized in alcohol.
What should I do if my retainer is cracked or broken?
Please call our office so that we can make an appointment to fix the retainer for you. In the meantime, do not wear the broken or cracked retainer. Please bring all the pieces of your retainer to your appointment so that we can repair it for you.
What should I do if Teeth or gums are sore?
If your teeth or gums are sore after an appointment you may take an over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Twice a day warm salt water rinse may also help soothe tender teeth and gums. Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds. If your teeth suddenly become sore between visits, call our office. It is unusual for teeth to get sore two or more weeks after your last office visit.
