We aim to see our patients with genuine emergencies as soon as possible.
If bleeding, trauma or pain occurs from a breakage of the brace this is classed as an emergency.
Please telephone the practice as early as possible in the morning to enable our staff to help you.
The emergency number to call out of hours is 01743 344921. Please follow the instructions on the answer phone.
Contact us on 01743 344921 or email us on dental.v12220@nhs.net
Pain and discomfort
When braces are first fitted, pain and discomfort is a normal part of the initial process and after each subsequent adjustment. The pain should subside within 3-5 days, if necessary take whatever you normally take for a headache to get you through this period. Ring the Practice if you require any further advice.
Bracket off (square attachment on the front surface of each tooth)
Contact the Practice as soon as possible. Leave the bracket on the wire. If it causes irritation, reposition it or use your wax to cover it. We will make an appointment within a week to replace it. Be careful with your diet, continual breakages prolongs you treatment.
Wire digging in
It is possible for the arch wire to come out of the back attachment (tube) on the last tooth in the early stages of treatment and poke into your gum. By using a pair of tweezers to hold the end of the wire, it may be possible to guide the wire back into place, through the small rectangular tube. Otherwise ring the Practice for a sooner appointment and place your wax or a piece of cotton wool over the end of the wire until your emergency appointment.
Problem with removable appliances
Continue wearing the appliance if possible and ring the Practice for a sooner appointment than your scheduled one. If the appliance is loose don’t wear it overnight. Even though the appliance may be broken, if possible continue wearing it until you receive your new one, if it is safe to do so. If you are unable to wear your appliance, we need to see you sooner rather than later.
Mouth sore/Brace rubbing
Use relief wax to cover the area that is causing the soreness, the brace must be dry for the wax to stick and will need reapplying regularly. Use a warm salt mouthwash regularly to keep the area clean and reduce inflammation (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Contact the Practice if the discomfort continues or causes ulceration.
Elastic Band Problem- has been lost or snapped, other than the type you are advised to put on and off yourself
Contact the Practice and we will make an earlier appointment.
Metal band off (metal ring around the last tooth)
Contact the Practice as soon as possible. Keep the band if possible and bring it to your emergency appointment. The band is cemented to the tooth by a fluoride impregnated cement which also fills the area which prevents any plaque or debris harbouring underneath. A loose band means the cement has cracked and an area for debris could form and cause irritation and possible decay. It is therefore important to contact the Practice.
Broken retainer
Contact the Practice as soon as possible. Even though the retainer is broken, if possible continue wearing it until you receive your new one, if it is safe to do so. If you have lost your retainer contact the Practice immediately to get a new one made. Teeth can move on the completion of active orthodontic treatment and it is essential to have an intact and fitting retainer for the best long term result.
Lost or broken retainers/appliances due to patient neglect will incur a fee, be it private or NHS.
Lost blue separator
If your next appointment is within 4 days don't worry, just keep that appointment. Otherwise contact the Practice to have the separator replaced.
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