Occasionally, patients may encounter mouth injuries or issues with their orthodontic appliances during treatment. These situations generally fall into two main categories.
Emergencies Involving Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances can sometimes break or become misaligned during care. If you experience issues such as loose brackets, broken wires, or other disturbances, please contact our office during regular patient hours to schedule an appointment.
For the convenience of all our patients, walk-ins cannot be accommodated for emergency services. Until we can see you, here are some tips to help manage common problems:
- Irritating Tie Wire: If a tie wire is causing discomfort, try covering it with orthodontic wax or gently tucking it under the archwire using a Q-tip or the eraser end of a pencil.
- Loose Brackets or Bands: A loose band or bracket can typically remain in place until your appointment. Call our office to arrange a time for evaluation and, if necessary, to reattach the appliance.
- Broken or Poking Wires: A broken or poking wire can often be bent back with a pencil eraser or carefully trimmed using clean nail clippers. If the problem persists, contact us for assistance.
Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
In the event of a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether you are undergoing orthodontic treatment or not, it’s essential to take immediate action:
- Initial Steps: Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and contact your family dentist as soon as possible.
- Dental Assessment: Your dentist may need to take X-rays to determine the extent of the injury. If a tooth is knocked out, displaced, or fractured, your family dentist is the best resource to address the issue, as they have the necessary tools and anesthesia.
- Orthodontic Adjustments: If your orthodontic appliances are dislodged or damaged due to the injury, we can replace or adjust them after your dentist has completed treatment and assessed your comfort level.
After-Hours Assistance
Please contact our office for emergencies outside of office hours that cause significant pain or discomfort. We provide information on how to reach the appropriate on-call professional for further assistance.
