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Occasionally, minor problems may arise with your brace. Please telephone the practice on (0118) 9411628 for advice. If there is no-one there to take your call, you will either be asked to leave a message (messages are checked regularly) or if the practice is closed for holidays you will be given an alternative telephone number to contact.

There follows some information which may help to relieve anxiety or enable you to deal with the problem without a visit to the surgery. If in doubt please do telephone us.

Fixed braces
Patients wearing fixed braces will experience some tenderness during the first few days after wire changes. Most patients don't find this tenderness a problem, but occasionally a few patients need some help through these early days and paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken.

If a component of the brace feels sharp then you should use the relief wax provided. Should this not solve the problem you must telephone the practice for advice. Sometimes a little bit of wire is exposed during treatment and this may need to be trimmed.

Don't panic if a piece of the brace breaks. It is seldom an emergency. Just telephone the practice. If the surgery is closed please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Removable braces
The plastic on removable appliances can chip. As long as the brace still fits this is not a problem. Sharp edges can be smoothed using fine sandpaper or an emery board. If a metal component breaks or if broken plastic is uncomfortable you must telephone for an appointment. Please wear the brace as instructed if at all possible until you see the orthodontist.

Retainers (removable or fixed)
If you do break or lose your retainers you must telephone the surgery immediately on (0118) 9411628. It will take up to a week to mend or replace and the teeth may move in the meantime. The sooner we know that there is a problem the sooner we can sort it out. If you are in doubt, please contact the surgery; do not take chances with your retainers.

If you are able to wear your removable retainer(s), try to do this during the daytime only, until you have been seen at the practice. You should avoid wearing a loose or broken retainer during sleep.