ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES

The patient who returns on an unscheduled visit with problems from his appliance represents a loss of clinical time for the orthodontist, and work time for the patient, as well as a possible loss of confidence for both parties in the appliance and/ or professional relationship.

Fixed appliance treatment is a well-known treatment methodology with a thriving increment in the quantities of children and grown-ups understanding the advantages that can be picked up. Appliance breakage is an unavoidable annoyance which is, best case scenario badly designed, and even from a pessimistic standpoint may result in critical agony or distress for the patient. General dental practitioners ought to have the pragmatic information of how to give timely and appropriate orthodontic 'emergency treatment'. This will thus enable treatment to keep moving in the right direction, allowing more efficient and effective use of valuable resources.

The main objectives for any patient who attends with an orthodontic emergency is firstly relief of any pain or discomfort, secondly to provide reassurance that things will get better, and finally, where appropriate, to de-activate the appliance if it is not possible to carry out a definitive repair.