Emergencies

An emergency orthodontic appointment should be scheduled if you experience severe pain, a broken wire, or a loose band. If you are involved in contact sports, we advise using a protective mouth guard. In the event of an accident involving your face, check your mouth immediately for any injuries. If your teeth are loosened or your appliances are damaged, contact our office immediately.

In the event of an emergency, call our office to schedule an appointment. You will be offered the first available time slot that day. If an appointment is not immediately available, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

After Hours Emergencies

Dr. Brochu is available to meet the patient after-hours for an emergency requiring immediate attention. Dr. Brochus home phone number is available on the office answering machine.

In the event that Dr. Brochu is out of town or unavailable, Dr. Brochu makes arrangements with selected area orthodontists to handle emergencies. Call the office, and we will assist you.

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances. We want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and also understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office.

Loose band or bracket

If a band or bracket comes loose from the tooth, call our office for an appointment. While a tight band or bracket actually protects a tooth from decay, a loose band or bracket is dangerous and decay can occur under it. If the band or bracket is still attached to a wire, leave it in place and apply wax if there is discomfort. If the band or bracket comes completely out, place it in an envelope and call for an appointment.

Broken arch wire

If a main arch wire breaks (the one that goes all the way around the outside of your braces), call our office for an emergency appointment.

Loose Wire

Try to place the wire back in the tube on the outside of the molar band. Place wax over the end of the wire if there is any discomfort and call for an appointment.

Poking wire

Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, or some other smooth object. If you are unable to take care of a poking wire, apply wax and call our office for an appointment.

Lost tie-wire or elastic tie

This is not a real emergency, but please notify an assistant at your next appointment.

Soreness

Soreness during treatment is to be expected. Warm salt-water rinses and Advil, Motrin or Tylenol are helpful in relieving soreness.

Accidents involving teeth

Contact our office immediately, or contact your general dentist.

Please remember

If you are involved in contact sports, an orthodontic mouth guard can be fitted over your braces for added protection.

After Office Hours

Our office is open Monday through Friday and alternating Saturdays. Emergency time is held open during each day just in case of emergencies so that we can see you as soon as possible during normal office hours.