Call us at (250) 868-3488 
Emergency care
Although orthodontic emergencies are very rare, you may experience some discomfort. If a problem occurs during your orthodontic treatment please refer to the following list of instructions for help. If this does not solve your problem, please call us at 250 868 3488 and follow the instructions on the answering machine.What you can do
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period
of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan.
General SorenessWhen you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by taking aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in a pharmacy. Also, you can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this.
HeadgearSometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less as it's worn more, so be sure you're getting in the prescribed hours.
Loose ApplianceIf your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Loose Bracket If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Loose WireUsing a tweezer, try to put your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Poking WireUsing a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
Lost or broken retainerIf you have lost or broken your retainer, you may need a new one or have it repaired. Call us right away. There is a charge for new retainers or repairs.
TraumaIf the emergency involves trauma to the teeth, contact your general dentist, oral surgeon or go to the emergency room of your nearest hospital.
