Orthodontic Emergencies

There are very few true orthodontic emergencies, but we are always available to help you. If you have a broken appliance or are experiencing intense pain, please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to fit you into the schedule for an appointment. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call immediately to notify us that you need an appliance repaired.

Surprisingly, most orthodontic problems can be remedied at home. While you await your appointment, these guidelines will help you resolve minor problems. Please know that even if you alleviate the pain caused by your broken appliance, you still need a repair appointment.

Lost Separator

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Sore Teeth/Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

Right after you get your braces, and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment, your teeth and mouth will feel sore. To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. You can also gargle lukewarm saltwater, which is a mixture of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water. A warm wash cloth or a heating pad may also reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Wire Irritations

Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

Loose Bracket

First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.

Loose Wire

Try putting the wire back in place using tweezers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured.

Headgear Doesn’t Fit

If your headgear is causing pain, it’s usually because it isn’t being worn long enough. Please adhere to your orthodontist’s instructions, and wear your headgear for the instructed amount of hours each day. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for an appointment. Do not try to adjust it yourself.

Other orthodontic emergencies

Broken braces can be considered as an orthodontic emergency. This is because a small piece of brace could be at risk of swallowing. In addition, broken braces can also cause pain and damage to your mouth. Apart from this, pain or problems with mini implants can also be considered as an orthodontic emergency. The same goes for broken or loose removable aligners. In either case, you should contact your orthodontist without any delays.

It is essential not to panic during an orthodontic emergency- knowing what to do and having access to immediate orthodontic care would help you rectify the issues. However, you do the following things to avoid potential orthodontic emergencies:

• Bad oral habits like nail biting can damage the fragile wire of the braces. So avoid bad oral habits.
• Brush and floss properly to remove the plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Do not brush aggressively, as that can damage your orthodontic equipment.
• Avoid hard and sticky food that has the potential to break the braces.
• Ensure to wear mouthguards when you go out to play any contact sports.

If you have any Orthodontic Emergencies, visit our dental clinic immediately. Call us at 954-389-2345.