Be Ready With an Orthodontic Emergency Plan
An accident can easily cause problems for braces in between orthodontist appointments.
All it takes is one helping of a banned foods list item to pop a bracket loose. Serious orthodontic emergencies need to be dealt with in-office without delay, or they could push back the end of treatment, but minor issues can often be dealt with at home.
Common Orthodontic Issues
An adjustment usually results in temporary soreness or discomfort, and eating soft foods and swishing with warm salt water can help, along with over-the-counter painkillers. Is there a poking wire? In many cases, it can be pushed back with a pencil eraser or covered with wax, but we can clip the ends if necessary.
When to Come See Us
If a bracket pops off or breaks, that’s not something that can be fixed at home. Come to the office as soon as possible for a repair so that treatment can stay on schedule!
What If the Emergency Doesn’t Just Affect Your Braces?
A serious emergency might include severe pain around the mouth or face, major swelling in the area, swollen or infected gums, or a traumatic injury to the teeth, mouth, and face. An accident that affects more than the orthodontic appliance may merit an emergency room visit first, but come to us as soon as possible after that.