Emergency Care
Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances.True orthodontic emergencies are rare especially if you are eating the appropriate foods and maintaining proper oral hygiene. When a problem does occur, we are available to you. If you are having severe pain or other problem, please call our office at 770-552-6800 to schedule an appointment time. If the office is closed, our voicemail message includes Dr. Mibab’s after-hours contact number.
We want our patients to be aware of problems that may occur, most of which can be solved temporarily until you can get to our office. Below are some helpful tips and remedies to problems that may occur:
Loose band or bracket
If a band or bracket comes loose from the tooth, it usually remains connected to the main wire and is not cause for an emergency visit. Tweezers can be used to reposition a bracket if it flips around the wire. You can apply wax if it irritates you. The colored elastic will keep the bracket attached to the wire. You may have a situation that requires cutting the wire or sliding a bracket off of the wire at night or over the weekend. A clean fingernail clipper works well to clip a wire if needed. If the band or bracket comes completely out, place it in an envelope and call for an appointment. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, notifying us ahead of time allows us to set aside extra time for your repair.
Mouth Irritation
If you develop any mouth irritation from the braces, you may rinse with Peroxyl which is a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse. This will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks, and will help prevent infection and decrease any irritation from your braces. Warm salt water rinses work well also.
Wire Irritations
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, a cotton Q-tip or the end of a pencil eraser.You can clip the wire with a clean fingernail clipper or small wire cutter. If you are unable to take care of a poking wire, apply wax or a piece of sugarless gum over the wire and call our office for an appointment.
Lost colored alastic or steel tie
If one of the small rubberbands or wires that go around your bracket comes off, there should be no concern. It does not need to be replaced until your next adjustment appointment.
Lost spacer / separator
It is quite common for some patients to lose a spacer prior to your banding appointment. Most of the time spacers do NOT need to be replaced. This usually means that enough space has been created.
Soreness or discomfort
Minor soreness or discomfort can occur after an orthodontic adjustment. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures for a few days. Stick to a soft diet. We recommend taking an analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil. This is the protocol unless you are allergic to these medications.
Headgear does not fit
Sometimes this is caused from not wearing your headgear as prescribed. If the facebow has been bent or if the band holding the headgear is loose, do not wear the headgear. Call for an appointment.
Trauma / Major accidents
Contact our office or your general dentist as soon as possible.
Game, Set, Match
If you are involved in contact sports, a regular mouth guard can be fitted over your braces for added protection. There are a variety of styles and designs available at local sporting good stores which work well to protect your teeth, lips and braces.
Dr. Mibab and his staff are professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, witty, and caring but most of all, they make you feel so very special. 
