Occasionally, patients may experience an injury to the mouth during treatment. Dental emergencies during orthodontic care generally fall into two categories: emergencies related to orthodontic appliances and direct injuries to the mouth or teeth.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances may occasionally break or bend during treatment. If you notice issues such as loose brackets, bands, broken wires, or anything causing discomfort, please contact our office to schedule an appointment during patient hours. For the convenience of all our patients, we cannot accommodate walk-ins for emergencies. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to address common issues until you can be seen by our team:
- Irritating Tie Wire: If a tie wire is bothering your mouth, you can cover it with beeswax or use a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip to tuck it under the archwire.
- Loose Band or Bracket: In most cases, a loose band or bracket can stay in place until your visit. Contact our office to schedule a time to reattach it if necessary.
- Broken or Poking Archwire: If a wire is poking, try bending it with a pencil eraser or carefully trimming it with nail clippers. If the problem persists, call us during office hours for further assistance.
For additional guidance, watch our helpful video that explains how to handle common orthodontic emergencies at home.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
If you suffer a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether you’re undergoing orthodontic care or not, it’s essential to take immediate action. Follow these steps to manage the injury:
- Ice the Injured Area: Apply ice to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Contact Your General Dentist: Contact your dentist as soon as possible to assess the injury. An X-ray may be needed to determine the severity.
- If a Tooth is Displaced, Knocked Out, or Fractured: Contact your dentist first for urgent care, as they have the necessary tools, materials, and anesthesia for proper treatment.
For dislodged or displaced orthodontic appliances, we will adjust or replace them as soon as possible after your dentist has addressed the injury. Be sure to reach out to us to schedule an appointment based on your comfort level.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If an orthodontic emergency occurs after hours and you’re in pain, please contact our office for further assistance. We’ll provide information on who to contact to address your concerns. We understand that emergencies can arise anytime, and we’re committed to ensuring you receive timely care so you can stay comfortable until your next appointment.
