The guidelines that we have received from Alberta Dental Association states that the following are considered emergent while all other orthodontic emergencies are not considered emergent and we are mandated to stay closed.

Elective vs. Non-Elective Procedures:

Non-elective procedures, including those considered to be orthodontic emergencies, are defined as remedying one or more of the following:

• Significant oral pain (Keep in mind many patient “emergencies” can be managed by wax or sectioning an archwire with cuticle cutters/nail clippers.)
• Infection
• Limited function
• Physically traumatic event yielding the above