Orthodontic Emergencies

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. You can call 346-9771 to schedule an emergency appointment to resolve the problem during our regular office hours, or during non-office hours we also always have a contact number for the on-call orthodontist. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you cannot take care of yourself. Below are listed some types of emergency situations you might have and some at-home options that might assist you until you can be seen in the office.

Broken Braces

Broken or loose brackets are generally not considered an urgent problem in most cases. There are times with a loose bracket that may cause some problems, so it is best to call the office when the problem occurs and ask for the best recommendation. When a bracket comes off of a tooth, it is still normally attached to the wire. This will prevent the bracket from being swallowed, but it may move or spin around the wire. If this is a problem for the patient, a little wax pressed against the bracket will keep it from moving around. If it comes out completely, wrap the bracket or band in tissue and bring it to your next appointment.

Poking Wire

Many times as the teeth move in the early phase of treatment, the wire used to straighten the teeth has no place to go except out the back of the molar band area. Also, if spaces are being closed or if the bite is being corrected, the wire will begin to get longer at the back of the braces. Fortunately, most times this can be handled at home very simply with some orthodontic wax. It is important to try and dry the area first (with a paper towel), then roll up a piece of wax into a ball. Place the ball of wax into the area of the poking wire. The wax will smooth the area and keep the tissue from getting caught on the end. If wax does not resolve the pain, please call our office so that we can have you come in and the wire can be clipped.

Orthodontic Discomfort and Pain

Discomfort and sometimes pain is a normal part of orthodontic treatment. Sometimes this can be surprising, even if it was discussed previously. The pain tends to occur about 4-6 hours after the braces are placed or after an adjustment appointment. Over the next day or two, the pain could become progressively worse. However; after the third or fourth day the pain will begin to subside. Most orthodontic pain can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water. Over the counter pain medication (Asprin, Tylenol or Advil) can also be used right before or right after the adjustment appointments. This allows the medication to already be in the system before the pain begins, improving the effectiveness.

Injuries

Significant dental injuries while in braces can be traumatic to the patient. Immediate care should be sought from a physician and dentist in those cases. In some cases, the braces have been known to actually prevent loss of teeth, since braces and wires had provided stability. Home care is generally not recommended in these cases.

Loose/Broken or Lost Appliances

If the appliance becomes loose, or is out of the proper position, or falls out of place completely, the correction that has already been achieved may already be lost. It would be best to call our office and schedule an emergency appointment to replace the appliance to the position needed to keep treatment on track.

Mouth Sores

Sometimes your appliances can cause irritations on your tongue, cheeks, lips or gums. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help to heal the irritation and wax can be used to cover the appliance causing the irritation.