What To Do In Case Of An Emergency
Dr. Shullman and our team at Shullman Orthodontics want your orthodontic care to proceed as smoothly and comfortably as possible. If at any time you are experiencing a problem with your orthodontic appliance, feel free to call or text us at (561) 868-5050 for advice and assistance.
Loose Brackets Or Bands
Call our Wellington orthodontic office as soon as possible if a bracket or wire is loosened so that we can schedule an appointment to have the bracket re-fitted. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a loosened bracket off of a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.
Wire Irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our Wellington orthodontist for an appointment.
Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but contact our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort With Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness, or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm washcloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a chronic condition, please consult with your doctor prior to taking any medication.
Major Emergencies
Life-threatening emergencies are almost unheard of in orthodontic treatment. However, in the very unlikely event you experience a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 and go directly to the nearest hospital.
