Handy & Handy Orthodontic Specialists

Injury to Face, Jaw(s), and/or Teeth
Though relatively uncommon, traumatic injuries to the orofacial region do sometimes occur and ceartainly can be serious. If such an event were to occur, the key principle to remember is to keep first things first. In other words, focus first on the health and well-being of your or our child's face, jaw(s), and/or teeth and address any secondary effects on orthodontic appliances or treatment later.Often your general or pediatric dentist is the most appropriate venue to initiate such emergent care, with your orthodontist functioning in an auxiliary or supportive capacity. However, never hesitate to call our office with any such problems or concerns. We will do all in our power to help you or to direct you to someone who can.

Poorly Fitting Retainer(s)
Problems with excessively tight or poorly fitting retainers rarely get better on their own and should not be ignored. These problems are often, although not always, the result of relapse of the orthodontic result caused by inadequate retainer wear. The earlier these problems are recognized and addressed, the better chance there is to recover the desired orthodontic result with the least amount of time and effort. Please call our office to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Lost or Broken Appliance or Retainer:
If your orthodontic appliance or retainer is broken or lost, please call our office at your very earliest convenience. A broken or lost active appliance assures that no treatment progress is being made, while a broken or lost post-treatment retainer often leads to relapse or deterioration of the final orthodontic result.

Sore Spot or Ulcer on Lip(s) or Cheek(s)
Small sore spots or ulcers are not uncommon at the very beginning of treatment as your lips and cheeks get used to the new orthodontic appliances. Place orthodontic wax over the region of the braces that is rubbing your lip(s) or cheek(s) to reduce the irritation. Some patients also find that warm salt water rinses two to three times a day help to soothe and heal the tissues. Sore spots or ulcers later in treatment are more uncommon and are most often the result of irritaion produced by a sharp ligature or archwire. See above for tips on remedying this situation.

Sharp Ligature or Archwire
This is often a problem you can solve at home. Carefully use your fingernail or a pencil eraser to push the sharp wire downward toward the teeth and away from the lips, cheeks, and gums. Placing a small amount of orthodontic wax over the area may also help you be more comfortable. If these methods are inadequate or if you have any questions, please feel free to call our office for help.

Loose Bracket or Band:
This is often not an emergency that demands same-day attention. However, always call our office at your earliest convenience so that we may determine the best time to make the necessary repair and advise you as to any changes that may need to be made to your next appointment date and time. Failure to call ahead could result in damage to your teeth and/or unnecessary delays in treatment. In the brief time before the repair is completed, some patients find that placing orthodontic was over a loose bracket helps them to be more comfortable.