Dr. Michael P. Meehan
An Orthodontist for
Children and Adults
6745 W 127th Street
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone: 708.448.3131
Fax: 708.448.3412 |
Occasionally, patients may experience some problems with their appliances. Some situations may warrant emergency treatment while others can
be addressed at home or with a telephone call to our office at 708-448-3131.
Please review our braces diagram to identify the part of the appliance
that is causing the difficulty. This will help our staff in addressing your problem.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
- LOST SPACERS (separators) are not considered an emergency; however, our office should be called to determine if they need to be replaced before your next appointment.
- A POKING WIRE or APPLIANCE can be temporarily treated by pushing the wire
down with the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil. If irritation continues, place wax on the wire to ease discomfort. If the wire continues to stick out, a fingernail clipper can be used to cut the wire off.
- A LOOSE BAND or BRACKET usually does not have to be repaired immediately. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and place wax on it. Please call our office and inform us of your situation so we can determine the best time to have your band or bracket repaired.
- A LOOSE or BROKEN LINGUAL ARCH WIRE can usually be removed by prying the unbroken side up with the tine of a fork or other narrow pointed instrument. The lingual arch is held down on each side by two vertical posts that fit into slots on the molar band. Once the arch is removed, you will be comfortable until we can see you. Please call our office to make an appointment.
- A LOST or BROKEN RETAINER should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any movement of your teeth. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
- A LOOSE or BROKEN HERBST APPLIANCE needs to be repaired as soon as possible. To ease any discomfort, try to tie the broken side to the upper or lower archwire with a thread or string. Call our office immediately to make an appointment.
- NOT SURE? Call our office and we will be happy to consult with you.
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