Emergencies & Breakages

Urgent Treatment Out of Hours

In the very unlikely event that you need urgent treatment outside of normal practice hours to relieve severe pain, please call the NHS helpline: 111.

Breakages

It is important to care for your braces to give your treatment the best chance of working properly. Occasionally, however, breakages can occur and will need to be addressed. Please contact us to make an appointment so we can assess and repair the damage, getting your treatment back on track.

We have breakage appointments available every weekday, by appointment only.

Brackets

Brackets, small metal or ceramic squares glued to each individual tooth, can become detached if you eat particularly hard or chewy foods. When a bracket is detached, your brace is not working effectively and your tooth will move back to its original position. If you find a bracket is rubbing, use some of the wax provided to cover it until you are able to make an appointment to be seen.

Ligatures (Elastics)

Ligatures, the small bands (Ormolasts) that hold the archwire to each bracket, will need to be replaced as soon as possible if they come off. Your brace will not work effectively without these in place, as they keep the archwire attached to your brace.

Archwire

Under extreme force, the archwire can snap and will need to be replaced to ensure your orthodontic treatment is not interrupted. If you find the wire is digging in and irritating your gum, use some of the wax provided to cover it until your appointment.

Removable braces and retainers

If your brace or retainer is broken, continue to wear it unless it is causing discomfort or no longer fits, and contact us to book a repair appointment as soon as possible. Please ensure you bring all parts of your brace and your models, so it can hopefully be repaired.

If your retainer is broken or lost, you can order a new retainer by calling the practice on 01784 273 880