There are very few true orthodontic emergencies, but we are always available to help you. If you have a broken appliance or are experiencing intense pain, please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to fit you into the schedule for an appointment. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call immediately to notify us that you need an appliance repaired.

While you await your appointment, these guidelines can help you resolve minor problems and can often save you a trip to the office. If you have any questions or concerns after trying these solutions, don’t hesitate to call us. We are happy to get you in as soon as possible, and Dr. Weiler is always available by phone after hours.

Wire Poking

  • Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or pencil eraser.
  • If the wire will not move, try covering the end of the wire with a small piece of cotton or wax.
  • If the wire is still poking, cut it with nail clippers or wire cutters that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

Loose Bracket

  • First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be refitted.
  • Sometimes a loose colored tie is mistaken for a loose bracket—make sure that you know if it is the bracket that is loose or just a colored tie that is missing.
  • If it is not painful, place some wax over the loose brace to stabilize it.
  • If it is painful, use nail clippers or wire cutters that have been washed and sterilized with alcohol to cut the wire and slide the brace off.
  • Please keep the brace and bring it with you to your next appointment.

Loose Wire

  • Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized with alcohol.
  • If that doesn’t work, place wax over the loose wire where it is poking.
  • If that doesn’t work, you may cut the wire using nail clippers or wire cutters that have been washed and sterilized with alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.

Retainer Not Fitting

As soon as you discover that your retainer is not fitting, please call the office immediately! Usually, when a retainer is not fitting it is because it is not being worn every night as directed. When a retainer is not worn every night as directed, the teeth can shift causing the retainer to no longer fit. Sometimes, a new retainer will need to be made, and sometimes Dr. Weiler can adjust your current retainer. Dr. Weiler will discuss the best options when your retainer is not fitting.

Broken Device

If an expander, space maintainer, or spring becomes loose, call our office immediately so that we can fix the device. It is very important to make sure that the broken device does not cause any damage.

Lost Separator

If you lose a separator, please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Sore Teeth

Right after you get your braces, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth, and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate discomfort, you may take Tylenol or Ibuprofen, alternating them as directed. For severe pain (which isn’t normal), please call our office and Dr. Weiler can prescribe a non-opioid painkiller.