BREAKAGES & MAINTENANCE »

Orthodontic Breakages

For any breakages, please contact the Practice as soon as possible and our Reception team will be able to advise whether the breakage can be left until your next scheduled visit or needs to be addressed sooner. If the breakage/s need attention we will arrange the next available appointment for you. Always have your patient ID number ready to give to reception.

Ligatures / Coloured Elastic bands have come off from the small square bracket:
This is not an emergency. With some braces, if a rubber ligature (coloured elastic band) comes off, this can be left off until your next scheduled appointment.

Discomfort
It is normal for a patient to have discomfort for the first few days after braces or retainers have been fitted or adjusted.

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Mouth Ulcers
This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable for you. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical cream (Bonjela) directly to the ulcerated surface.

Lips or Cheeks
Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when you are eating. A small amount of relief wax or Brace Eeze makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the brace causing irritation.

Protruding Wire
Ideally cover the wire with Brace Eeze relief wax. If you are unable to alleviate the problem, contact the Practice and we will book the next available appointment to have the wire trimmed.

Loose Brackets, Wires or Bands
Should the braces become loose please contact the Orthodontic Practice where our Reception team will be able to advise whether you need to be seen before your next appointment.

Please find below all the necessary emergency contact numbers or alternatively contact the surgery on the next working day.
If you are a registered NHS patient with a breakage please call the NHS helpline on: 111

If you are a registered Private patient with an Orthodontic breakage please call pager number 07654 511661. Please leave a message and we will return your call.