WHAT DO I DO????
While wearing braces, it is extremely important that you follow all instructions in regards to how to take care of your appliances. However, accidents do happen, and we are happy to repair any loose or broken appliances as to not prolong your time in treatment. If an accident does occur, please refer to the list below for some troubleshooting home remedies to minimize discomfort until you are able to make an appointment for repair.
When a bracket comes off……Call us to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible. If possible, take the bracket off yourself and bring it with you to your appointment. If you are unable to remove the bracket, put wax on the bracket to reduce discomfort until your appointment.
When I have a pokey wire…… It is very common for wires to extend past your back molar (last tooth) during treatment. That’s good, because it means you are making treatment progress! As your teeth move into alignment and proper positioning, there will be excess wire in the back. Even though this situation means progress, it can sometimes be uncomfortable. First, try clipping the wire with sterilized nail clippers. You can sterilize nail clippers by using rubbing alcohol. If that is unsuccessful, place a generous amount of wax on the excess wire. You are always welcome to call us for an appointment, and we will be happy to clip the wire for you.
When I have a loose appliance or molar band (round metal piece that surrounds the tooth) …….Sticky foods or hard foods can loosen the cement and cause your appliance to become dislodged. You should avoid such foods during treatment. If possible, remove the appliance yourself if it is very loose and easy to remove. If you remove it yourself, call us immediately and we will reinsert it at our next available appointment, so be sure to bring it with you! If you cannot remove the appliance, call us and we will assist you as soon as possible.
My color rubber band(s) came off…….. The colorful rubber bands are used to secure the wire to the bracket. If one is lost, we will be happy to replace it for you! This is not an “emergency” situation, but you should still schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
My spacers came out/ feel loose……Spacers create space in between the “contacts” of teeth so that when we place the molar bands around your teeth, discomfort can be minimized if not avoided altogether. Sticky foods or flossing between your teeth are prohibited while wearing spacers. If a spacer falls out, call us immediately and we can replace it for you in 5 minutes or less!
Remember, when in doubt, call our office. Loose or broken appliances can affect your treatment progress if not addressed in a timely manner.
While wearing braces, it is extremely important that you follow all instructions in regards to how to take care of your appliances. However, accidents do happen, and we are happy to repair any loose or broken appliances as to not prolong your time in treatment. If an accident does occur, please refer to the list below for some troubleshooting home remedies to minimize discomfort until you are able to make an appointment for repair.
When a bracket comes off……Call us to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible. If possible, take the bracket off yourself and bring it with you to your appointment. If you are unable to remove the bracket, put wax on the bracket to reduce discomfort until your appointment.
When I have a pokey wire…… It is very common for wires to extend past your back molar (last tooth) during treatment. That’s good, because it means you are making treatment progress! As your teeth move into alignment and proper positioning, there will be excess wire in the back. Even though this situation means progress, it can sometimes be uncomfortable. First, try clipping the wire with sterilized nail clippers. You can sterilize nail clippers by using rubbing alcohol. If that is unsuccessful, place a generous amount of wax on the excess wire. You are always welcome to call us for an appointment, and we will be happy to clip the wire for you.
When I have a loose appliance or molar band (round metal piece that surrounds the tooth) …….Sticky foods or hard foods can loosen the cement and cause your appliance to become dislodged. You should avoid such foods during treatment. If possible, remove the appliance yourself if it is very loose and easy to remove. If you remove it yourself, call us immediately and we will reinsert it at our next available appointment, so be sure to bring it with you! If you cannot remove the appliance, call us and we will assist you as soon as possible.
My color rubber band(s) came off…….. The colorful rubber bands are used to secure the wire to the bracket. If one is lost, we will be happy to replace it for you! This is not an “emergency” situation, but you should still schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
My spacers came out/ feel loose……Spacers create space in between the “contacts” of teeth so that when we place the molar bands around your teeth, discomfort can be minimized if not avoided altogether. Sticky foods or flossing between your teeth are prohibited while wearing spacers. If a spacer falls out, call us immediately and we can replace it for you in 5 minutes or less!
Remember, when in doubt, call our office. Loose or broken appliances can affect your treatment progress if not addressed in a timely manner.