HOW TO HANDLE COMMON PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCIES

A true orthodontic emergency is very rare, but we are here to help you if you experience any problem with your braces. The wax we provided you with at your initial bonding is a very important tool. Make sure you always have a good portion of it remaining. If you begin to run low, please let us know and we will give you more.

​In the event that you are in significant pain outside of office hours and feel that you have an emergency that can’t wait until our office is open, you can contact Dr. Karim at 604-271-8833.

SOME COMMON PROBLEMS (NOT EMERGENCIES) INCLUDE:

Broken brackets
​Sometimes brackets can become loose during treatment. It usually won’t hurt but may feel a little different than normal. Give the office a call to let us know so we can determine a time to see you. There is usually no immediate rush to fix a broken bracket.

Poky wire
We intentionally leave the wire a little long in some instances but bend the wire away from your cheek so it doesn’t poke. You may feel the wire at the back of your mouth but it shouldn’t hurt. When teeth start to align or when we are closing a significant amount of space, the wire may start to poke at the back. In all of these instances use the wax for temporary relief. If you are still in pain give the office a call and we will bring you in to clip the wire.

Loose appliance
Sometimes fixed expanders or space maintainers can get loose or even fall out after they are in the mouth for a prolonged period of time. If the appliance falls out leave it out of your mouth – do NOT attempt to re-insert it. If you notice just one side is starting to feel loose, leave it in place and don’t pull it out.  Call the office and we will re-cement the appliance for you soon thereafter.