1. Separators
   These should be removed at the earliest opportunity when we reopen. Another option is please attempt removal with the end of a small paper clip or wooden toothpick. This is not an orthodontic emergency.
2. Broken bonded retainers
   Push wire back down towards the tooth as much as possible. (Fingers or tweezers) Cover with the best medium available (Ortho wax, Cheese wax, Blu tack, chewing gum) cut the exposed unbonded wire using tweezers and nail clippers/scissors. Gently pull the wire to remove the whole retainer. Advise greater use of removable retainers if present.
3. Lost retainers
   You could consider ordering online a ‘boil in the bag’ (heat moldable) gum shield to use and wear at night to reduce the risk of relapse (unwanted tooth movement). It should be noted that these appliances aren’t specifically designed to hold teeth in position so the manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any relapse.
4. Gold chains
   If the gold chain was recently placed and is now dangling down, it may be possible to cut it short. Gold is quite a soft metal and it may be possible to cut the chain using some nail scissors or nail clippers. Always hold the loose end with tweezers or similar item. If possible leave at least 5 links through the gum so it can be used later by your orthodontic team. If you have a non dissolvable coloured stitch discuss with your us about the feasibility of removing it at home using nail scissors to prevent a minor infection in the gum.
5. Elastic bands
   At this time if you run low or out of elastics we may be able either to send you some more out via the post or advice to stop wear of elastics.
6. Band off
   If band is very loose we may be able to talk you through removal of the band and trimming of the wire depending upon your stage of treatment. It may also be also be the case we advise you to leave the band in place. If this occurs please ensure you adhere to good oral hygiene and a low sugar diet to prevent decay under the band and around your tooth
7. Band off Quadhelixes, RME, TPA +/-Nance, URA, Functional appliances
   Discuss with us about the nature of the looseness and take advice accordingly.
   URA – relating to turning the screw . please stop turning until next appointment
   URA and Functional appliance – keep wearing full-time till next appoint
8. Fractured/Frayed power chain
   Accept the situation–most power chains will denature in 4-6 weeks and become passive. Remove power chain with tweezers if necessary. Cut frayed end as short as possible to improve comfort.
9. Exposed end of wire tie – long ligature or short ligature or open/close coil spring
   Re-tuck sharp end underwire/bracket using tea spoon or tweezers. Remove wire if broken with tweezers if possible. Cut frayed end as short as possible to improve comfort with nail cutters or scissors. Cover for comfort using Ortho wax, Cheese wax, Blu tack, chewing gum.
10. Bracket off
    This is not urgent unless it is causing trauma to the soft tissues. It may be possible we can guide you on how to remove the bracket from the wire via video if it is causing trauma. It may be possible to leave the bracket if it is not causing any problems at present.
11. Aligners
    If your current aligner is in good order keep wearing it as much as possible. If your current aligner is broken or ill fitting, step back to your previous aligner. It may be possible to have a new aligner at the correct stage made for you and sent out to you. Or with advice from us about a ‘boil in the bag’ (heat moldable) gum shield to use and wear at night to reduce the risk of relapse (unwanted tooth movement). It should be noted that these appliances aren’t specifically designed to hold teeth in position so the manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any relapse.

We are closed during the festive period from 25th December – Monday 4th January 2020 inclusive.

If you have a severe dental problem, please contact your own dentist.

If you have an Orthodontic emergency that cannot wait until Tuesday 5th January, please call NHS 24 on 111 unless it is the 29th, 30th or 31st Dec then please Phone or text: 07399 108737 and leave a message and we will call you back on the same day.

Messages left relating to orthodontic emergencies will be replied to on 29th 30th and 31st between the hours of 9 am and 4.00pm .

We all hope that some level of normality will return over the course of 2021
Stay safe and take care from InfinitySmiles.