Most orthodontic emergencies are minor and can be dealt with at home, although in some cases you might need to schedule a new appointment.

TIPS FOR COMMON EMERGENCIES

1. Poking Arch Wires
2. Poking Tie Wires
3. Loose Brackets
4. Discomfort After Office Visits
5. Sore Molars
   
   

1. POKING ARCH WIRES
   Usually the ends of the arch wires are bent inward at each office visit so they will not poke the cheeks in back. Sometimes there is not enough room to bend the wire, so it is cut close instead. If the arch wire is poking it is either because bulky foods have pushed the wire out of the end tube, or the wire has shifted because your teeth have been moving into place. If the wire has been pushed out of the end tube, try feeding it back into the tube. Otherwise, you will want to clip off the end of the arch wire. Using a pair of small end-cutting pliers (available from any hardware store), cut the wire as close as possible to the next nearest bracket. If the wire is not very thick, you may be able to cut it with an old toe nail clipper.
   
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2. POKING TIE WIRES
   Ties are what hold the arch wires to each individual bracket. We use both plastic ties (available in many different colors) and wire ties. Sometimes the ends of tie wires begin to poke and scratch the inside of the lips or cheeks. To fix this, use a round toothpick, dental pick, or other small pointed stick-like object to push the end back towards the teeth and gums. Be careful to avoid pushing so hard that you run the risk of slipping and cutting your gums.
   
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3. LOOSE BRACKETS
   After a bracket breaks loose, first call the office so more time can be set aside to have it reattached at your next appointment. Then, if the loose bracket bothers you by moving around, you can remove it by cutting the plastic or wire tie. Put the bracket into an envelope, seal securely, and bring into the office at your next visit.
   
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4. DISCOMFORT AFTER OFFICE VISITS
   To reduce discomfort after office visits, we recommend chewing sugarless gum right after an adjustment has been made or a new arch wire has been installed. Chew the gum for half an hour within two hours of the office visit to help reduce discomfort the following day. Chewing is like stretching after exercise: it helps you feel less sore the next day.
   
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5. SORE MOLARS
   Molars are those large teeth in the back of the mouth which are used to grind food. Sudden soreness is usually caused by a band or bracket coming loose. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, and call the office as soon as possible for a new appointment.
   
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