What to Do in Case of an "Orthodontic" Emergency?

[MEM]

DS10 will be getting braces on his upper teeth within the next month. We will be going to WDW in August 2005. I need to know how others have handled broken wires or brackets or other such ortho emergencies while visiting WDW. My son is at the highly functioning end of the autism spectrum so he cannot be counted on to be totally responsible for his braces.

Is there, for example, a referral service for an orthodontic practice in the Orlando area? Just want to feel prepared! Thanks!

 

[Bellefan66]

good question...bump!

 

[debster812]

I would check first with your at home Ortho to see if he has any acquaitances in the Orlando area (it literally could be THAT easy).

If they do not personally know of anyone, I would imagine there is some sort of list they can check through associations.

Good Luck!

 

[dzneelvr]

Good to be thinking of this in advance.
You would want to have your orthodontist assist you in locating a peer within proximity to your resort and then the process for assisting your son, even though he would not be a patient of that practice. Be sure to get the location specifically identified so you aren't driving around getting lost. Prior to your travel date, make contact with the Florida ortho office and give them any necessary information they would need to "treat" your son. With the recent changes to privacy laws, they will not be able to request such things on your behalf. Fax them if possible. Carry all prescriptions, contact phone numbers, and a copy of any document you faxed.
If you don't need to use them, then fine, you've done an hour or so of extra work. If you do, it will all be worth it.

 

[HopperFan]

Take very strong nail clippers and needle nose pliers with you. If a wire breaks or pops out, then clip it as close as possible. With the pliers turn the point under. Also have a pack of wax from ortho that you can push over anything.

DS once had wire inches long pop and into his lip. Ortho closed for long weekend. I did the above to hold us and he did just fine.

 

[MrsPete]

It's been years since I had braces, but I'll throw out two comments:

1. In the five years I wore braces (yes, I was a real mess before braces), I had only ONE emergency. That was because the orthodontist had removed and replaced one of my back brackets, and it wasn't on quite right -- I wasn't even home yet before it popped off and I swallowed it. Wires do not typically break just any old time. Over the years, I had all the typical accidents: hit in the mouth by a ball, punched by a sibling, etc. My lips might have been cut, but nothing metal was ever injured.

2. You will have some control over your monthly visits. Make sure that you do not go on vacation immediately after any appointment. His teeth will be sore for 2-4 days (it'll vary depending upon just how much tightening the orthodontist does that month), then he won't even notice them for the rest of the month.

You'll become accustomed to the ins and outs of braces very quickly, and you won't have any troubles.

 

[MrsPete]

I'll add one more note: One reason I never had any problems with my braces was that I was very good about obeying the food rules. He will not be allowed to chew gum or ice, and popcorn and chewey candies are also off limits. Breaking these rules will greatly increase the chances of an orthodontic emergency.

Since you mentioned that he's autistic (something I know very little about), you might need to make extra sure that he understands what's okay and what's off limits. Your orthodontist will give you both a good lecture on B-day.