What is an Orthodontic Emergency?
Information for patients
Most orthodontic problems are not urgent and do not need to be seen immediately. However, if you do need an additional appointment, this is called an emergency appointment. We have a number of these available each day.
Orthodontic treatment is a long process and requires regular visits. Understanding when you may need an emergency appointment can help avoid unnecessary trips.
When to Contact Us
- If you or your child are in pain, please call us. We will assess the problem and advise you on what to do next.
- We may book an emergency appointment, which usually runs on most days (except weekends). This appointment is to carry out any treatment needed to relieve pain or discomfort. You may also be given advice on how to manage the issue at home.
- If your next scheduled appointment is within the next 2 weeks, most problems can safely wait until then. The team will be able to fix any breakages at that visit.
- If your next scheduled appointment is more than 2 weeks away, please call us to arrange an emergency appointment.
Managing Discomfort at Home
- Apply orthodontic wax to any areas where the brace is rubbing on the cheek or gum. This can help ease discomfort until you are seen.
Issues that can usually wait until your next appointment
The following problems are not urgent and can normally be dealt with at your next routine visit:
- Broken brackets
- Lost modules
- Power chain issues
- Springs coming loose
Lost removable appliances (see pictures below) - If Your Twin Block or Removable Appliance Breaks
- If the appliance is broken but you are still able to wear it, please continue to do so.
- If you cannot wear the appliance, please contact us to arrange an emergency appointment.
Retainers
- Retainers are provided at the end of treatment and must be worn every night.
- If your retainer breaks within the first 12 months, please contact us and we will arrange a repair or replacement.
After 12 months, you will be discharged from our care. Any replacement retainers will need to be arranged through your dentist, and there will be a cost for this.
Separators
- If your separators come out before your next routine appointment, please contact us for advice. We will let you know whether an emergency appointment is needed.
Surgery
- If you experience any issues after surgery, please contact your surgeon directly for advice.
Missed Appointments
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible.
Multiple missed appointments may result in discharge from our care, and there is a risk that your braces may cause harm if treatment is not monitored regularly.
A missed appointment costs NHS Fife approximately £200.
Understanding orthodontic appliances
Brackets
Brackets
Attached to the teeth during treatment. If a bracket breaks off, this can usually wait until your next routine appointment unless it is causing pain.
Power chain
Power Chain
Used to help close spaces. If it comes off, it can wait until your next routine appointment.
Springs
Springs
These may occasionally come loose. They can be replaced at your next routine appointment.
Wires
Wires
Wires may slip out or break. If this causes pain or irritation, an emergency appointment is required.
Modules
Modules
These small coloured ties hold the wire in place. If they come off, this is not an emergency and can wait until your next routine appointment.
Gold chains
Gold Chains
Used to guide unerupted teeth. If a gold chain detaches, please call us for advice. An emergency appointment may be required.
Retainers
Retainers
Used at the end of treatment to hold your smile. If they break within 12 months of brace removal, contact us. After 12 months, replacements must be arranged through your dentist at your own cost.
Long wire ligatures
Long wire ligatures
Used to help with tooth movement. If they break, they can usually wait until your next routine appointment unless causing pain.
Separators
Separators
Placed to create space for molar bands. If they fall out before your next appointment, please contact us for advice. An emergency appointment may be needed depending on timing.
Arch Expansion
Arch Expansion
Appliance Used to widen the jaw. If it breaks or partly debonds, please contact us for advice and an emergency appointment.
Mini screws
Mini screws
Placed in the jaw bone to assist with tooth movement. If they cause pain or any issues, contact us for advice and an emergency appointment.
Twin Block appliance
Twin Block Appliance
Used to change your bite.
- If it breaks and you cannot wear it, contact us for advice. An emergency appointment may be needed depending on timing.
- If it breaks but you can still wear it, continue wearing it until your next routine appointment.
Removable appliances
Removable Appliances
Used for various purposes.
- If it breaks and you cannot wear it, contact us for advice. An emergency appointment may be needed depending on timing.
- If it breaks but you can still wear it, continue wearing it until your next routine appointment..
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
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