Lost separator/spacer
Refer to the instructions given to you when the separators/spacers were placed. Extra separators/spacers were provided in the small envelope attached to the instructions. Also see the Lost Separator/Spacer video below.
Wire irritation/poke
push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum, until you can see us for an adjustment. See the Using Wax video below.
Soreness
we generally recommend that you take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin). This, of course, is the protocol only if there are no known allergies to these medications. Rinsing with Peroxyl or a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also be soothing.
Food becomes stuck
use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
Wire comes out of the brace or tube
attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable. See the Using Wax video below.
Brace comes loose
it usually remains connected to the main wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office at your earliest convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit to repair the loose brace(s), since repairs of this nature usually take additional time.
Loose Expander
If you loose an expander during your orthodontic treatment, please call the office at 317 – 852 – 5566.
Trauma
If you experience any trauma during your treatment, please call the office at 317 – 852 – 5566.