Emergency Information
What to Do in Case of Emergency
If you are a patient of record and have an after-hours orthodontic emergency, such as a broken appliance, you may call our emergency phone number (727) 244-1511. The emergency phone is for orthodontic treatment emergencies only, not for appointment or financial questions.
Sore Teeth
If your teeth are sore after a visit, you may take ibuprofen based medications due to their anti-inflammatory effects, either generic ibuprofen or brand names such as Advil, Aleve or Motrin. A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinses may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
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 eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.
Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but 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 routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take ibuprofen based medications such as Advil, Aleve or Motrin while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.