What to Do in Case of Emergency
Call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please do not come directly to the office – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired. Unfortunately, we cannot see walk-ins for repairs.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Call our office as soon as you are aware a bracket, band or wire is loose. A bracket or band may need to be replaced as soon as possible, or Dr. Portalupi may decide it is best to wait. Please let us know so we can let you know what needs to be done. You may have a situation that requires you or a parent to cut your wire, or slide a bracket off of a wire until you can get to our office. If that is necessary, you may use a pair of your own nail clippers that have been thoroughly washed and disinfected with rubbing alcohol. If you are not able to resolve this issue until we can see you, you can page Dr. Portalupi. His pager number is on our after-hours message at the office phone number (530) 662-9191.
Wire Irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of the wire with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of orthodontic wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers, as explained above.
Lost Separators
Though it is not common for it to happen, it is possible to lose a separator during the short time they are in. Please do not worry, but DO call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and after your routine adjustments, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. This is normal, though everyone tolerates it differently. It helps a lot of our patients to take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen before your appointment to help ease you through it; if you are able to do so. Be sure not to take pain relievers containing aspirin during your orthodontic treatment. We do offer bite wafers that help some patients. Try it and see if it works for you. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce any soreness in your jaw.