Page 8 - Orthosmile Orthodontics

Troubleshooting Guide

Please call our of ce as soon as possible before coming in if you break or loosen any of your appliances so that you
can be seen promptly on arrival. Most problems are not considered an emergency unless you are in pain. Here are
some common problems:

Elastic tie comes off Wire out of molar tube or slot

Solution: Call us to nd out Solution: Try placing the
if you can wait until your wire back in the tube using
next appointment to have it tweezers. If necessary, cover
replaced, or if we want to the loose wire with wax and
see you for a quick visit to call the of ce for an
put the elastic tie back on. appointment.

Long poking archwire Cheek ulcer or irritation
Solution: Cover with wax to Solution: This is normal
provide relief to the irritated when your cheeks are not
area. Try cutting the wire yet used to your braces.
with a nail clipper that has Rinse your mouth frequently
been sterilized in alcohol. with warm salt water. Cover
Prevent swallowing the with wax or a piece of
snipped wire by using a folded tissue around the area. sugarless gum on the area of the braces that is causing
Call us for an appointment if you cannot resolve the the ulcer or irritation Call us to have it examined if you
problem. are still uncomfortable.
Poking metal tie Loose or broken bracket
Solution: Try to push the Solution: If the bracket is
poky wire back into place by attached to the wire, leave it
using the end of a pencil in place and cover it with
eraser or a cotton bud. If that wax as needed for comfort.
is not possible, you can If the bracket comes out
place wax on the area completely, bring it with you
causing the irritation until we can see you. to your next appointment. Call us for an appointment to
repair the bracket.

Food caught between teeth Loose metal band
Solution: Use dental oss or Solution: Stop putting
interproximal brush to elastics or a headgear
dislodge the food. appliance to any loose
bands. Call us for an
appointment to have the
band recemented.

Teeth are sore or uncomfortable Accident involving teeth
Solution: This is normal after an adjustment. The teeth are Solution: Call us or your dentist immediately.
most sore during the rst 3 to 5 days. Eat softer food and take
panadol or other pain reliever as required. Please contact us if A piece of appliance is swallowed
the pain persists. Solution: Remain calm. If you are unable to see the
piece and believe it may have been aspirated
(particularly if there is excessive coughing or dif culty in
breathing), seek medical help and notify us immediately.

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