A Quick Fix For An Orthodontic Emergency

     Patients and parents often worry about what to do when running into an orthodontic problem and can’t immediately visit Dr. Legler. If it’s the weekend, your vacay, or you just can’t fit the time in to see him, don’t stress! We have a solution! Contact sports, outdoor play, hard or sticky food are just a few examples that can cause an orthodontic emergency. These emergencies often include broken brackets and wires poking, all of which can be easily taken care of.

     First you will need these common household items, tweezers, toenail or fingernail clippers, and if you choose to be fancy, our deluxe item, mini pliers. If you don’t have these laying around the house, you can find them at either your local pharmacy or grocery store, all for under $6! You will also need dental wax which you received in your braces start kit but is also available for purchase at your local pharmacy.

1^st Scenario

A loose band/ring around the molar is flopping around your mouth.

This is mainly caused by chewing something hard or sticky.

1. Go to the wire where it attaches to the last bracket
2.  Take your toenail/fingernail clipper or mini pliers and snip it as close to the bracket as possible
3. Make sure you remove the band and snipped wire from the mouth
4. Place a small glob of wax over any areas that are sharp

2^nd Scenario

A dislodged bracket.

This can occur when you bite something hard or get hit in the mouth with a ball or elbow from playing sports. Let’s say you have 2 brackets that have become loose or dislodged and the wire is connected to the tooth in front, you can use either the toenail/fingernail clipper or the mini pliers to snip the wire.

1. Go to the point right where it’s attached to the next bracket
2.  Keep a steady hand and snip it
3.  Remove the piece that is loose
4.  Remember to gather any little pieces that may have fallen in the mouth
5.  Cover the area that you snipped with wax

3^rd Scenario

If you have either a few braces on the front or bottom teeth and a bracket comes loose with the wire poking out.

You can just slide the wire right through the tubes in the braces.

1. Take your tweezers
2.  Grab the wire where it is accessible and begin to pull the wire through the brackets
3.  Slowing keep pulling the wire until it slides all the way through
4. If any brackets come off, we will replace them once you are back in the office

Watch this video below for a step by step visual:

 Comment below for any additional questions or concerns!

Broken Braces or Wires- Colgate

4 Steps To Fix Broken Braces Or Wires- Colgate

https://www.aaoinfo.org/