It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets.
In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.
We reserve a limited amount of time each day so that patients may be scheduled quickly. If you have a problem requiring emergency treatment, please call us as early in the day as possible. Should you have an emergency after hours or on weekends please call our emergency office cell phone at 561-251-6373.
Irritation of Wires
If a wire on your braces is causing irritation, try pushing it away from the area that is irritated by using the eraser of a pencil or a cotton swab. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end with a small piece of wax or cotton ball until you can come in and have one of our doctors take a look at it. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if our professional staff is unavailable.
Instructions for a Lost Separator
It is common for some patients to lose one separator during the process that prepares your mouth for braces. If this happens to you, be sure to call Dr. Matza’s office before your next scheduled appointment. It is important that we replace your missing separator a couple of days before the placement of the braces.
Instructions For a Loose Bracket
Losing a bracket can mean losing valuable treatment time, so it is important that you always set up a bracket replacement appointment if you have a loose or missing bracket. The bracket must be replaced to prevent your teeth from moving or shifting from their new positions. If your teeth are allowed to move incorrectly, this may create problems that will require additional time to correct.
Instructions For Lost or Broken Retainer
If you have a lost or broken retainer, even if this happens on the same day as your scheduled appointment, please call our office immediately. Dr. Matza will need to create a duplicate retainer to complete your orthodontic treatment. Your retainer is essential to maintaining the smile by settling your teeth into their new healthy and straight positions. For this reason, wearing and taking good care of your retainer is just as important as wearing your braces. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment to set up a retainer replacement. Please call as soon as possible if you discover a lost or broken appliance. This will allow us to schedule enough time to correct the problem.
Relieving Discomfort Associated With Treatment
Most orthodontic patients experience some pain the first week after their braces are put on, and immediately following routine adjustments. You may use aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever or Ibuprofen to ease this discomfort. If your braces are causing soreness in your jaw joints, try using a moist heat compress or a warm wash cloth to apply gentle pressure and alleviate the ache. This discomfort should subside in approximately two to three days after you get your orthodontic appliances or have them adjusted. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can sooth the gums. Stay on a soft diet until the discomfort has decreased. If the pain continues please notify us.