Occasionally, patients may experience mouth injuries or unexpected issues with their orthodontic appliances during treatment. Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories: problems related to orthodontic appliances and direct injuries to the mouth or teeth. Here’s how to handle each situation effectively.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces, wires, or bands, can sometimes become broken or bent during treatment. If you notice any issues, such as loose brackets, broken wires, or poking appliances, please contact our office during patient hours to schedule an appointment. For the convenience of all our patients, we are unable to accommodate walk-in emergency visits.
While waiting for your appointment, try these quick fixes to manage discomfort or stabilize the appliance:
- Irritating Tie Wire: Cover the wire with beeswax or gently tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like a pencil eraser or a Q-tip.
- Loose Bands or Brackets: Leave them in place and avoid adjusting them further. Call our office to schedule an appointment so we can reattach or replace the loose appliance if needed.
- Broken or Poking Wires: Use a pencil eraser to bend the wire away from sensitive areas. If it’s too long, carefully trim it with clean nail clippers. Call us during patient hours if the issue persists or causes discomfort.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
If you sustain a direct injury to your mouth or teeth—whether you’re undergoing orthodontic care or not—follow these steps:
- Apply Ice: Immediately place ice on the injured area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Contact Your Dentist: For injuries such as displaced, fractured, or knocked-out teeth, reach out to your regular dentist as soon as possible. An x-ray is often needed to assess the extent of the damage.
Orthodontic appliances that are dislodged or displaced due to the injury may need adjustment or replacement. Once your family dentist has addressed the dental injury, contact our office so we can determine the next steps based on your comfort level.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If you experience an orthodontic emergency outside of office hours and are in pain, please contact our office. We provide after-hours assistance and will direct you to the appropriate person for further help.
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. By addressing emergencies promptly and following these steps, we can ensure your treatment stays on track while minimizing discomfort.
