Emergency Care
Dr. Kaswiner and Dr. Handsman maintain cell phones for emergencies. They can be reached at virtually any time. The numbers are 973-476-8493 or 908-370-4507. Fortunately true orthodontic emergencies are infrequent.
Types of Emergencies
A broken bracket can occur for several reasons including eating foods that are very hard. Such foods are bagels, pizza crust, and apples. Special caution should be used with braces; apples should be sliced, bagels should be fresh. This usually does not require an "emergency" office visit, but please call and inform us. Most times it is not necessary to come into the office for immediate repair. If there were any discomfort we would want to see the patient. Certainly, there is no need to panic. These problems are easily resolved.
A broken wire is a significant emergency. Our office should be called immediately. We would want to replace the broken wire quickly. Such an emergency might be quite uncomfortable. For immediate relief the use of nail clippers to cut the wire can be helpful.
If something feels "sharp" in the mouth please call our office. Wax has been included in our "homecare kits". Instruction on wax is given to our patients at the time of brace placement. Please use the wax.
A loose band is a significant problem. Bands are placed on the back molars and help anchor the arch wire. If a band should become loose, attempt to reposition the band on the tooth, if possible, and call our office. If it cannot be placed back on the tooth, attempt to remove it.
When you call the office (973-379-3803) for an orthodontic emergency, please anticipate that the emergency will be handled by eliminating the source of the pain. No prolonged treatment will be rendered. Generally a "broken bracket" is not an emergency!
The doctor and the staff are here to help you. NO problem or irritation should be ignored. If you don’t inform us of a problem, we can’t help you!!
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Poking Wire
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
Loose bracket or band
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Loose wire
Using a tweezer, try to put your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax doesn't help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Loose appliance
If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Headgear does not fit
Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less as it's worn more, so be sure you're getting in the prescribed hours.
General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!