Welcome to Flanagan Orthodontics

Emergency Care

The following outline describes how orthodontic emergencies / repairs are handled for patients wearing orthodontic appliances. Emergencies while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances fall into two categories:

• direct injuries to the mouth or teeth
• emergencies to orthodontic appliances

Direct injuries to the mouth or teeth

Following a direct injury to the mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, you should be seen by your family dentist as soon as possible. Usually an x-ray of the involved tooth or teeth is needed to determine the extent of the injury. If a tooth has been fractured or broken, it is best to contact your family dentist first, since we may not have the necessary materials needed to treat these injuries. If orthodontic appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust them as soon as possible. Please call our office immediately after seeing your family dentist. If you are unable to reach your family dentist or an alternate emergency facility, call our office and we will assist you in locating someone to care for the injury.

Emergencies related to orthodontic appliances

Broken or loose appliances may occur during your orthodontic care. Disturbances such as loose brackets, bands, or broken or poking wires are not considered orthodontic emergencies, and therefore do not require you to be seen in our office outside of our regular business hours. However, it is necessary that you do call our office as soon as possible the next business day so that we can evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule you to be seen accordingly.
In the case you do need assistance outside of business hours, please call our office and our voice mail will give you instructions on what to do and whom to call.

Problems and Solutions

Loose Bracket or Band

If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, cover it with wax. Do not connect headgear or elastics to a loose bracket or band. If a loose band becomes dislodged, call for an appointment and bring the dislodged band.

Loose Tie Wire or Elastic Tie

Call to ask if an appointment is necessary.

Wire Out of Tube

Try to place the wire back into the tube using tweezers or place wax over it if it is uncomfortable and call for an appointment.

Rotated Archwire

Try to slide the wire around the other side. If unsuccessful, place wax on the wire and call for an appointment.

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