Emergency

What do you do if you have a brace emergency? It might surprise you that there are several things you can do at home before calling one of our staff members. Here are some suggestions for some very common problems with braces:

1. Loose Archwire - Sometimes the wire comes out of the back bracket due to the force you apply on your teeth when you chew. If this happens take a pair of tweezers, grab the archwire, and slide it back into the bracket.
2. Loose Band or Bracket - If it is still attached to the wire and it is rubbing up against your lips, try putting some wax over it to make it more smooth. Please do not rebond your band or bracket! Only a doctor can make sure that it gets placed back on correctly. Please call to let us know that your have a broken band or bracket, so that we can get you into our office as soon as possible. Broken appliances can prolong your treatment.
3. Poking Wire - Try to push it down with the eraser end of a pencil and if this doesn't work, put wax on the wire that is poking you.
4. Sore Teeth - Sometimes certain wires can cause soreness in both your gums and Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can relieve some of the pressure associated with braces. Children under 18, please do not take any medication without the consent of your parents. Also, try eating softer foods like eggs or mashed potatoes until your teeth feel better.
5. Ulcer - If you have an ulcer on your cheeks or gums we recommend using Orabase–B for comfort. Also place wax on the bracket or wire causing the irritation. These ulcers will generally take 7-10 days to heal. Warm salt water rinses may also aid healing. Call us if a lesion lasts more than 2 weeks.

If these helpful solutions don't work or you feel more comfortable having one of our staff members handle your emergency please call our office numbers.

Ocala (352) 237-3366
Gainesville (352) 332-7911

If you ever have any emergencies that occur after business hours, please call our emergency pager numbers.

Ocala (352) 304-3658
Gainesville (352) 380-2681