What is an orthodontic emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is a problem that causes you pain or makes you so uncomfortable that it affects your daily activities. From an orthodontic perspective, very few problems are emergencies. And rest assured, waiting a short period of time before having a bond replaced, a band cemented or a wire cut will not extend the timeline for your orthodontic treatment. If this is an emergency, please call 971-285-6231.
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What should I do if a separator falls out?
First off, don't worry. But if your next regular appointment is more than a few days away, call the office at (503) 643-9509 to schedule a time for us to reinsert the separator(s). If your appointment is within a few days, we'll take care of the problem when we next see you.
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What should I do if a band comes loose?
Call the office at (503) 643-9509 to schedule an appointment. This problem needs to be repaired reasonably quickly (within a few days).
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What should I do if a molar band is irritating me?
Use the wax you received when you got your braces. If the hook is bothering you, push it towards your gums using the eraser end of a pencil or a spoon. Call us at (503) 643-9509 if the problem persists.
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What should I do if a bond or bracket comes loose?
Don't panic – this is not considered an emergency. Call the office at (503) 643-9509 to schedule a repair appointment or to lengthen an existing appointment. In the meantime, use wax if needed. If you are uncomfortable, we may remove the bracket from the wire and replace it at your next scheduled appointment.
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What should I do if a wire tie or colored elastic falls off?
This is not considered an emergency either. Just call for an appointment at your convenience to have the ligature replaced.
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What should I do if a wire or hook is poking me?
Try to bend it toward the tooth with a spoon or a pencil eraser or put wax on it. If this is not successful, call the office at (503) 643-9509.
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What should I do if a spring is irritating me?
Use wax. If the problem persists, call the office at (503) 643-9509.
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What should I do if the spring comes off?
Call us at (503) 643-9509 to schedule an appointment to have it replaced.
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What should I do if I lose my retainer?
Just schedule an appointment by calling (503) 643-9509. You will need to come in for a new impression so that we can make a replacement retainer for you.
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What should I do if my retainers don't fit?
Make an appointment by calling us at (503) 643-9509. Be sure to bring your retainers with you so we can check out the problem!
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What should I do if my appliance falls out?
Call the office at (503) 643-9509 for an appointment as soon as possible.
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What should I do if I lose part of my appliance?
Your appliance cannot function properly with missing parts, so call the office at (503) 643-9509 to schedule an appointment as quickly as possible.
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What do I do if I get canker sores?
Put wax wherever you feel discomfort until it heals, and try rinsing with some warm saltwater. You may want to investigate some of the fairly inexpensive over-the-counter products that can be purchased at the pharmacy especially for canker sores, such as Orabase® or Orajel®.
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What should I take for discomfort?
Use a non-prescription pain reliever such as Tylenol® or Advil® — whatever you normally would take for a headache is fine.

Ensley Orthodontics, P.C.

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