An Overview of Emergency Orthodontics
What to Do When Problems Happen With Your Braces
When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected problem with your braces or aligners. However, orthodontic emergencies can happen, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your smile and ensuring your treatment stays on track. As experts on emergency orthodontics, we understand that these situations can be stressful, which is why we’re here to provide guidance on what qualifies as an emergency and how to handle it.
What Qualifies as Emergency Orthodontics?
Emergency orthodontics refers to situations that require immediate attention from your orthodontist to prevent pain, damage to your teeth, or disruption to your treatment plan. Not every issue with your braces constitutes a true emergency, but certain situations definitely warrant a call to our office.
True orthodontic emergencies include severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, trauma to the mouth or teeth that affects your orthodontic appliances, infections or swelling in the gums or face, and broken appliances that are causing cuts or sores in your mouth. A bracket that has completely detached and is poking into your cheek, a wire that has shifted and is stabbing your gums, or significant damage from an accident or sports injury all require prompt professional attention.
Less urgent issues might include a loose bracket that’s still attached to the wire, minor discomfort after an adjustment, or a lost elastic tie. While these situations aren’t true emergencies, they still deserve attention and should be addressed at your next scheduled appointment or through a phone consultation with our team.
Common Emergency Orthodontics Situations
Several scenarios commonly bring patients to seek emergency orthodontics care. Broken brackets are among the most frequent issues. Whether caused by eating hard or sticky foods, or simply from normal wear and tear, a broken bracket can slow your treatment progress if not addressed promptly. If the bracket is still attached to the wire but loose, you can often temporarily secure it with orthodontic wax until you can see your orthodontist.
Poking wires represent another common emergency. As your teeth shift during treatment, the wire may begin to protrude from the back of the last bracket, irritating your cheek or gums. Sometimes you can gently push the wire back into place using a pencil eraser or cover it with wax, but if it’s causing significant discomfort, contact our Taylor office for assistance.
Lost or broken rubber bands, also called ligatures or elastic ties, typically aren’t urgent emergencies but should be replaced relatively soon to keep your treatment progressing. Our team can quickly replace these during a brief appointment.
Mouth injuries from sports or accidents require immediate attention, especially if they affect your orthodontic appliances. Even if your braces appear intact, trauma to your mouth warrants an examination to ensure no hidden damage has occurred to your teeth or jaw.
How to Handle Orthodontic Emergencies at Home
While waiting to see your orthodontist, there are several steps you can take to manage discomfort and prevent further issues. Orthodontic wax is your best friend for covering sharp edges or poking wires. Simply dry the area, pinch off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and press it firmly over the problematic area.
For general soreness, rinsing with warm salt water can provide relief and help reduce any inflammation. Mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth several times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort following adjustments or minor injuries.
If you have a loose bracket, avoid wiggling it or trying to remove it completely. Instead, leave it in place and call our office to schedule a repair appointment. For poking wires that can’t be managed with wax, you might carefully use clean tweezers or needle-nose pliers to gently bend the wire away from the irritated area, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.
When to Contact SBK Orthodontics in Taylor
At SBK Orthodontics, we’re committed to ensuring your orthodontic journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you’re experiencing what you believe may be an orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our Taylor location. Our experienced team will assess your situation, provide guidance for immediate relief, and schedule an appointment if necessary.
Remember, true emergency orthodontics situations are relatively rare, but when they occur, prompt attention is essential. By understanding what qualifies as an emergency and knowing how to respond, you can protect your investment in your smile and keep your treatment on schedule. We’re always here to support you through every step of your orthodontic care.
