Orthodontic Emergencies

The little elastics that were placed between your back teeth make space for the metal bands (braces) to be fitted at your next visit.  They must stay in place right through to the next appointment.  This makes fitting the braces easier for you and us. Sometimes, the space will open quickly, and the separators may dislodge.

Unless you have an appointment in the next few days, ring the practice as soon as possible during business hours for an appointment.

Temporary measure:

1. If wearable, continue to wear the appliance and contact the practice for an appointment.

When to contact the office?

• If not wearable, contact the practice as soon as possible during business hours.

Temporary measure:

• Try to push it back into position.
• Avoid eating on that side.
• Please do not wear your elastics until you have seen us.

When to contact the office?

• Please ring the practice as soon as possible during business hours for an appointment.

Temporary measure:

• If irritating, cover with wax.

When to contact the office?

• Unless you have an appointment in the next few days, ring the practice as soon as possible during business hours for an appointment.

Temporary measure:

• Try carefully to replace it in the tube using (for instance) tweezers and compare it to the other side.
• PLEASE NOTE: It takes much pressure to dislodge the archwire from the tube. It can therefore take the same amount of pressure to place it in the tube.
• If unsuccessful, temporary relief can be achieved by wrapping a small piece of cotton wool around the end of the wire.

When to contact our office?

• If you successfully replace the wire into the tube, it is not urgent but still, contact us.
• If in pain, call us immediately.
• If after hours, a recorded message will give our emergency contact number.

Temporary measure

• Although not ideal, you may be able to move on to the next aligner.

When to contact our office?

• If you are unsure or feel something is not right, ring the practice as soon as possible during business hours for an appointment.