If this happens while traveling or working in another country where people speak another language it can become a big problem, even more if you don't speak the language. So what is the solution for this type of situation?

If you are staying at a hotel go to the front desk and try to explain the problem. Here are a list of words you might want to know in Spanish to try to communicate your problem. Orthodontist is called "ortodoncista" braces are called "frenos" , tooth is "diente", wire is "alambre" and bracket is usually also called bracket or "bracket de diente".

In some cases you'll be living abroad with your family, so you should ask someone in your office to recommend a good ortodoncista or you could also check the yellow pages for Ortodoncia. Most Orthodontists should know pretty good English and if they don't, get out of their office and find another one.

If you have internet access (who doesn't these days) do an online search, but remember to use the name of the country you are in to narrow down the results. For example if in El Salvador, search for "ortodoncia El Salvador" or "ortodoncista El Salvador" that way you'll get local orthodontists in your area. If you are in El Salvador you really don't have to search much, just contact "Clinica de Ortodoncia Smile Center" and you'll be taken care of by Dr Marielos who is fully bilingual and specializes in patients from out of town.

It is important that you have your braces checked immediately even if they don't hurt. Because if the right strength isn't working on your teeth, these could move in just a coule of days. So the best thing is ask someone "Necesito un Ortodoncista para que vea mis frenos" - I need an orthodontist to look at my braces.