Helpful Hints

Orthodontic care

Helpful hints to remedy common problems with appliances until you can be seen in our office:

1. If a wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with wax or clip it.

2. A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until you are seen in our office. Call our office as soon as you notice a loose band or bracket, however, so we can schedule an appointment to reattach it as soon as it is convenient for you.

3. If you have an appliance that happens to come off, do not discard it. Please call us to schedule an appointment and be sure to bring the detached appliance with you. If you don't contact us ahead of time to alert us of loose or detached appliances, we may not be able to fix it the day of your appointment.

4. A broken archwire, or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue needs to be seen as soon as possible for replacement or adjustment.

5. A bent headgear facebow, or removable appliance that is not fitting well, is not to be worn until it can be adjusted properly. Please call us to schedule an appointment for the adjustment.