Orthodontic emergencies do not happen very frequently but if a problem does arise, many times it can be remedied at home. However, if a situation occurs that you are not able to resolve on your own or do not feel comfortable trying to fix on your own, please call us at your earliest convenience. If an emergency occurs after normal office hours, please call the office and the message will direct you to a staff member.
Our phone number is (630) 584-6555.
Our normal office hours are:
Monday: 8-5
Tuesday: 9-6
Wednesday: 8-5
Thursday: 8-5
Friday: 8-1
You my also find these suggestions helpful:
If your teeth are sore after a visit: You may take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other non-aspirin pain relievers while your mouth adjusts to your treatment. A warn washcloth or heating pad may reduce the sorenessin your muscles and jaw. Warm salt water rinses help with any type of gum or cheek irritation that you may have in your mouth. A cool drink or Popsicle is very soothing and may provide temporary comfort to sore teeth (try to keep it sugar-free!)
If your wire is poking: Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with the eraser end of a pencil. If you are unable to move the wire successfully, cover the poking end with a small piece of wax that was given to you the day your braces went on, or a piece of sugar-free gum may work also. You may then call our office for an appointment to clip the wire.
If a wire or a bracket comes off or is loose: Please call our office on the next business day to schedule an appointment to have it repaired. If you must cut the wire, you can use a fingernail clipper that has been washed and disinfect in alcohol. If the loose bracket is the last bracket, it can be slid off the wire - just make sure you save it and bring it to your next appointment!
SAVE ALL ITEMS that come loose from your braces including any brackets or wires, and BRING THEM WITH YOU to your next appointment.
If your retainer is not fitting well: Call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for us to adjust it to avoid your teeth moving further.
A missing or lost retainer: Will need to be replaced as soon as possible, or there could be substantial tooth movement! Please call our office immediately for an appointment. If you still have your retainer but have not been wearing it and your teeth move out of position, a new retainer will need to be made and a charge will be applied. Any replacement retainers needed due to loss or "eaten by pets" will also have a fee applied.
Injuries to the mouth and teeth: If an injury occurs, you should be seen by your regular dentist as soon as possible to determine if there is structural damage to your teeth. If you can not get in or would feel more comfortable, call and we can assess the injury. If any orthodontic appliance are displaced or loosened, we will need to replace or adjust them as soon as possible. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.