As the best orthodontist Saline has available, SBK Orthodontics relies on specialists and trained team members to help you solve any orthodontic emergencies that could threaten your treatment efficiency. Make sure you give us a call to get our help when you need it the most. Remember, orthodontic emergencies are nothing to fear when you have a team like ours ready to help you out!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES?
Trust us; we’ve seen it all. The thing is that patients wearing either traditional metal braces or Invisalign® clear aligner trays can both have accidents or damage their orthodontic appliance. These orthodontic emergencies require permanent fixes with the help of a professional to avoid unwanted delays that can increase the time you have to wear braces. Check out below some of those common orthodontic emergencies in Saline, MI.
Loose Brackets
This is one of the most common reasons why patients call us back. Loose brackets are usually the cause of some poor decisions surrounding dietary habits during a patient’s orthodontic care. Please remember that patients who wear conventional metal braces shouldn’t eat hard foods. As they bite down, these little pieces break away and may peel away the brackets from their intended position. No matter how strong the bonding agent might be, it’s no match for the power of physics and the principles of a leverage. Please contact us and get professional help for your problem.
Poking Wires
Some patients report feeling how the end of their archwire comes off from its normal position and pokes at the inside of their cheeks. The good thing is that you won’t have to worry about potentially increasing your overall treatment length due to a case of poking wires. Simply call your orthodontist as soon as you can, set an appointment, and get some guidance about what to do in the meantime.
Lost Clear Aligner Trays
It’s not just patients with braces who have to deal with orthodontic emergencies. Invisalign users also have to deal with a recurring situation: lost clear aligners. As you may know, Invisalign trays are removable, so many patients pop them off to grab a quick bite during lunchtime and set them to a side or wrap them in a napkin. Misplaced and lost aligners are the most common emergency when you wear Invisalign. Please remember to carry your aligners’ case with you at all times and give us a call to get a replacement set of aligners as soon as possible.
Pain and Discomfort
All patients should expect a measure of discomfort when they first get braces. The same will happen following any adjustments or when wearing a new set of clear aligners. Discomfort is not news around orthodontic care, but you should be wary of any prolonged sensation of pain. Excessive, throbbing, or persistent pain may be a sign of deeper dental problems that can even become life-threatening. Please contact emergency services and your orthodontist as soon as possible.
LEARNING MORE ABOUT ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES
You can trust our team to offer you all the required help and permanently fix the problem you’re facing with your orthodontic appliance. Still, there’s plenty you can do at home with a few on-hand resources to remedy the discomfort of an orthodontic emergency. Click on the link below to learn more about other situations considered true orthodontic emergencies and some DIY solutions you can try.
GET HELP FROM YOUR SALINE ORTHODONTIST
We hope to see you soon around our Saline orthodontic office. You can always give us a call at (734) 944-9059 and get in touch with a team member to get the help you require. Make sure you enjoy the highest level of care when you start your treatment with the best orthodontist Saline has, SBK Orthodontics.
FAQ
What is an orthodontic emergency?
When it comes to orthodontic emergencies, we have to clarify they’re not life-threatening situations. Instead, an orthodontic emergency is related to direct damage to your orthodontic appliance, and it will need a direct intervention from your orthodontist for a permanent fix. You can try temporary DIY fixes to alleviate the situation, but you’ll have to get in touch with your orthodontist to set an appointment and get a permanent fix.
What are some examples of orthodontic emergencies?
Orthodontic emergencies can vary a lot in form, but they’re all related to direct damage to your orthodontic appliance. One common example is loose metal brackets. Many patients take for granted that their stainless steel brackets are durable pieces, so they go ahead and risk their appliance’s integrity by eating hard foods that could peel away their brackets and cause an orthodontic emergency.
What should I do if I have a broken bracket or a loose wire?
You have some DIY quick fixes available, such as using a blunt object to tuck the wire back in its original position and avoid any poking. You can also use some orthodontic wax to cover the wire or fix the bracket’s position. Ultimately, however, you should contact your orthodontist to let them know about your ongoing orthodontic emergency in Saline and request an appointment for a permanent fix.
What should I do if I have a broken appliance?
A broken appliance can be dangerous because it could quickly become a choking hazard. Please contact your orthodontist to avoid any problems and get a permanent replacement or fix that allows you to resume your orthodontic treatment and avoid any unwanted delays or additional complications that endanger your oral health.
How do you handle orthodontic emergencies?
The first thing we have to recommend is that patients should try to remain calm as they identify the nature of their orthodontic emergency. Once you know exactly what’s wrong, you should contact your orthodontist’s office to receive additional guidance regarding the specifics of your case. Keep in mind there are a few quick fixes you can try, but you’ll first need to assess the situation and give the orthodontist a thorough description of what’s going on.
What can I do to prevent orthodontic emergencies?
One of the best things you can do to prevent orthodontic emergencies is to be mindful of what you eat. Many snacks and popular food choices tend to break down into smaller pieces that could damage your braces. Oral hygiene is also crucial, as a good dental care routine will help avoid any problems with gum disease or tooth decay. Finally, consider using a mouthguard or keeping your aligners’ protective case with you at all times to avoid damage during sports or other daily activities.
