At Dr. Diers Office we value your time, as well as your comfort during treatment. There are very few Orthodontic Emergencies that require you to make an extra “trip” to our office. We have included a list of common problems and at-home solutions for your convenience. If you are having a problem, even if you have provided a quick fix, it is always best to contact our receptionists so that any future appointments may be changed to handle your needs.

Wire Poking
(this is the wire that is attached to your braces) You can try to grab the wire (tweezers) and slide it to the other side which isn’t poking.                                     

Lingual arch hurting
These are the wires that are attached to your first molar bands.  One is at the roof of your mouth, and the other is behind your teeth, under your tongue.  These wires control the shape of your arches.  Because your mouth is changing shape, and your teeth are moving, these wires can sometimes become too close to your tissue.  If ignored, the wire will begin to embed into the tissue and gradually worsen over time very quickly.  Below is a photo of a lower embedded lingual arch.  If you are experiencing a problem, call our office within a day or so.  It is possible to remove the arches, at home, on your own with dental floss.  Click the link below for instructions.

 Embedded Lingual Arch 

A bracket came loose
(brackets are the braces glued to your teeth) Always notify the office so that we may lengthen your next appointment. If your appointment is more than a few weeks away, we will schedule you to come in to have it rebonded. This is not an emergency, it is very common to have a few brackets come loose during treatment.

One very important factor in avoiding problems during treatment is the "food list".  Avoiding the items on this list will help reduce the incidents of breakage during your treatment.  Remember, this list is not all inclusive, but only contains the main items known to cause breakage.  And even sugarless gum is off limits!  Simply click on the link below to view the list.

Wire is out of bracket   This may be due to a slide or "door" coming open. Although this is not an emergency, you will need to make an appointment to have the slide closed.  You can place wax on the bracket if the open slide is sharp.  If the wire has come out of the very last or back bracket, you may be able to get the wire back in to place with tweezers.  If not, make an appointment to come in, if your next appointment is more than two weeks away.  Otherwise, just wait until you come in for your appointment to have it fixed. 

Retainer came loose
(this is the wire glued to the back of your teeth) If your braces have recently been removed, you should notify our office for an appointment within a day or two. Do NOT remove the entire retainer and try to avoid cutting the wire if possible. Depending on the age of the retainer, there may be a repair fee.  After one year in retention, you will have the option to switch to a removable retainer if you choose.  This is a good option for those who frequently have retainers coming loose. 

  Glue is off of two teeth

Appliance has come loose
(this is an appliance, such as the Mara or Sutural Expansion that is cemented to your teeth) Notify our office as soon as possible. Save any pieces that have fallen out  and bring them to your appointment.

Removable Appliance is hurting
(this is an appliance such as the FR or Functional Regulator) If the appliance is making a sore, stop wearing it and schedule an appointment within a week.

Cemented Appliance is hurting
(this is an appliance glued to your teeth) It is imperative that glued appliances are kept very clean, especially where it is close to your tissue. If your tissue, such as the roof of your mouth, is swollen or hurting, try to clean the area with floss often. Rinse with an antiseptic such as Listerine. If the problem persists for more than a few days, call our office for an appointment. If you are experiencing cheeck sores, the most common cause is sleeping on your face.  Try rolling a pillow behind your neck to maintain sleeping on your back.  Rinse with salt water three times a day to toughen the tissue, and keep the area very clean.  If the sores do not improve, schedule an appointment.

Unable to wear my rubberbands or elastics
Call us within a day or two. NEVER go without wearing your elastics for any long period of time or your treatment will be delayed! If you run out, call us and we will mail them to you. If the bracket on which you wear your elastics has come loose, move the rubberband forward or backward one tooth on BOTH sides until you have the bracket reglued.  Click on the link below for elastic patterns.

Separator has come out

If separators were placed for an FR insert, there is no need to have them replaced.  If you are having braces put on, you need to have any missing separators replaced at least 2-3 days before your appointment (unless otherwise advised by the assisstant).  It is possible to replace a separator at home, on your own, with dental floss.  Simply thread two long pieces of dental floss through the separator, then pull the separator with both hands, streching it until it is flattened.  With a back and forth motion, floss the separator back through the space where it fell out.  For braces, separators are placed in front, and behind the first molar teeth.

MUSICIANS

 Does it hurt to practice your trumpet, horn, bugle, trombone, euphonium, tuba, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, or, saxophone? Do you have trouble forming a correct embouchure? Have you lost your high notes? 

    BraceGuard is the Answer!

Visit www.braceguard.com for ordering information.

ATHLETES

It is always important to remember to wear a mouthguard when playing sports.  Dr. Diers recommends the Shock Doctor mouthguard, which can be purchased at Dicks Sporting Goods for around $15.00.

Click here-  http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2016203&view=all  for online ordering.

The Shock Doctor® Power Double mouth guard is designed to offer a better fit, combined with enhanced protection and performance. The double-arch protects both the upper and lower teeth, plus the TM joints. The dual-layer construction includes a soft, moldable outer layer matched with a semi-rigid inner core for tight, precise molding to the upper and lower teeth. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

       

CANKER SORES?

Do you suffer from frequent canker sores?  Some people are simply prone to these sores and a vitamin therapy can help reduce the frequency of their occurrance. Dr. Diers reccommends the following regimen:

Under 12 yrs of age - Daily Dosage                                       12 yrs. of age and older - Daily Dosage

With No  Sores                 With Sores                                              With No Sores                With Sores

250 mg. Vitamin C       500 mg Vitamin C                                  500 mg. Vitamin C         1000 mg. Vitamin C

250 mg. L-Lysine         500 mg L-Lysine                                      500 mg. L-Lysine          1000mg. L-Lysine

*Every day, take the Vitamin C and the L-Lysine together, in the reccommended dosages.  When the canker sores appear, double both amounts on a daily basis until the sores clear up.  Both products can be purchased, over-the counter, at your local drug store.