**FOR ALL ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES PLEASE GIVE US A CALL ON 07 4613 1650 TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST TO BE SEEN ASAP ONCE WE REOPEN**
1. If a module (coloured ring) pops off (C) or your powerchain (joined coloured rings) breaks don't stress. A tooth might move slightly or a tiny gap may open up but nothing significant. Dr. Devan will be able to recover this within a few weeks once we reopen.
2. If a wire starts to dig in (B) use orthodontic wax. Roll a small piece of wax into the shape of a ball and squeeze it a few times to soften it. Dry the offending area with a tissue or cotton ball, as the wax will not stick if the area is moist. Shape the wax over the irritating wire.
3. If a long piece of wire is sticking out or digging in and its unbearable, use nail clippers to cut it short.
4. If the wire pulls out from your braces at the back of the mouth, use tweezers to carefully reinsert it.
5. If food gets stuck between your brackets, use floss to gently remove it.
6. If a bracket (the metal or clear brace stuck to your tooth) dislodges (A) it will be loose. Usually it is still attached to the wire and just spins or moves around. If this happens, place some wax over the top of it to smooth it over.
7. If you slightly crack your clear retainer (which was given to you after you got your braces off) keep wearing it! Its still working and holding the teeth in their corrected positions. We'll make you a new one when we get back!
8. If you've broken your retainer into pieces and you can no longer use it or you've distorted it and it no longer fits, consider buying a mouldable mouthguard from Rebel Sport/the chemist/or online to fit over your teeth and wear at night. Although not perfect this is better than nothing.
9. If a gold chain that was recently placed is now dangling down, cut it short using nail clippers. Hold the loose end with tweezers, have at least 5 links remaining toward the gums, and clip it.
10. For Invisalign patients, if your current aligner is broken or ill fitting, step back to your previous aligner.
11. For patients with metal expanders (RME), the metal wire Dr. Devan used to tie off the screw hole may have unwound and is now scratching the tongue, in which case get mum or dad to tuck the sharp end back up behind the expander using a teaspoon.
12. If you have a blue separators placed between your teeth, please flick these out using a wooden toothpick.
13. Sometimes a spring which is being used to close a space may accidentally come off. In which case, please leave it. Rest assured the underlying powerchain is still working to close the gap. Notify the clinic so we will replace it as soon as we reopen.
