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Emergencies in orthodontics part 2: management of removable appliances, functional appliances and other adjuncts to orthodontic treatment Paul Dowsing Alison Murray Jonathan Sandler Dental Update 2024 42:3, 707-709.
In the second of two papers, management of orthodontic emergencies involving appliances other than fixed appliances will be detailed. Problems relating to removable appliances, as well as other orthodontic adjuncts, will be discussed. Unfortunately, orthodontic appliance breakage does occur, despite the clinicians giving clear and concise instructions to the patients and their parents at fitting. If general dental practitioners have a practical knowledge of how to diagnose problems and to provide appropriate advice or timely ‘emergency’ treatment, this will significantly reduce the inconvenience for all parties concerned. It should also ensure that treatment progresses in the most efficient and comfortable manner for their patients. In specific situations the early, accurate identification of the problem and instigation of its appropriate management can avoid more serious consequences.
Clinical Relevance: Appropriate handling of an orthodontic ‘emergency’ by the dentist can, on many occasions, provide immediate relief to the patient. This will, in turn, allow treatment to continue in the right direction, thus allowing more efficient and effective use of valuable resources.
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In the first paper, general problems encountered in orthodontics and those specific to fixed appliances were described in detail. In this second paper, problems associated with the wearing of removable appliances, functional appliances, retainers and other orthodontic auxiliaries will be discussed. The aim is to remind general practitioners about the various components of these appliances, as well as to provide useful and practical advice should the patient attend his/her surgery for an unexpected ‘emergency’ visit. By managing the problem appropriately, the inconvenience to the patient can be minimized. There are some orthodontic problems which are common to all appliance types, as well as others that are of a more specific nature and both types will be described.
The widespread use of single-arch removable appliances is now on the decrease, but there are still a significant number of practitioners who prescribe them in specific circumstances. General problems with removable appliances include:
These symptoms will soon pass once the patient has become used to the appliance, therefore every patient should be encouraged to persevere. If any of these problems persist for more than a few days, then it is more than likely that the patient is not wearing the appliance for a sufficient amount of time to get used to it. Patients should be encouraged to wear appliances as directed by their orthodontist and also informed that, only if they do so will the initial feelings of discomfort subside. They also need to be reminded that failure to follow the instructions will almost certainly compromise the treatment outcome.
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