Orthodontic Emergencies. Cairns Specialist Orthodontists. Cairns, Tully, Weipa

Orthodontic emergencies are generally very rare however if one does occur the following information is here to assist you. You will be able to temporarily solve many problems by yourself until you arrange an appointment with our office. Once you have relieved the problem it is still important that you schedule an appointment to have the issue repaired properly. If an appliance remains damaged for too long it may prolong your treatment time.

General soreness

This is very common and will subside after 2-3 days. To help, take pain relief as you would for a head ache. Use the wax provided if there is irritation of you cheeks or gums. They will gradually toughen up and get use to the surface of your appliance.

Broken or Loose brackets

Broken brackets can have an adverse effect on the progress of your treatment. It is therefore important to avoid breakages by avoiding sticky and hard foods. If a breakage occurs you are required to contact our office to have it repaired as soon as possible. Please do not leave it until your next appointment as this can delay the progress of your treatment.

Poking wire

As your teeth straighten your arch wire may begin to poke out of the last bracket. In this situation cover the wire with wax to protect your cheeks. A poking wire can be pushed back into place using the blunt end of a match stick or pencil eraser. As a final option use a set of fingernail clippers to cut the end just past the last tooth to which the wire is attached.

Loose appliance

If you have an expander appliance check that it has not been over-expanded. Turn it backwards two turns and see if it improves the fit. If the appliance is broken or ill-fitting please make a time to have it checked.

Missing colored modules or ligature

Colored modules and ligatures are used to hold the wire in your brackets. If one comes off it is not an urgent problem however to make sure your treatment stays on schedule it is best to arrange an appointment to have it replaced.

Broken Retainer

If you can still wear your retainer please continue to as instructed until a replacement is made. If you have a fixed retainer that has de-bonded please make a time ASAP to have it re-attached either with us or your general dentist.

Headgear

Headgear discomfort can occur if it is not being worn correctly. A headgear may actually hurt less if it’s worn more. Check the instructions provided by your Orthodontist. If it is still not fitting or the facebow is damaged please call our office.

If you have severe pain or a problem that the above information cannot resolve please phone our office to seek advice.

For urgent emergencies out of office hours please email info@cairnsortho.com.au