True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur, we are here for you. As a general rule, you should call the office if you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem that you can’t resolve yourself. We will schedule an appointment to address the issue.
You might be surprised to learn that you can temporarily solve many problems by yourself until you visit our office. When dealing with your appliances, it’s important to know the names of the parts so you can identify what is broken or out of place.
Dental emergencies while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances generally fall into two categories: emergencies related to orthodontic appliances and direct injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
If any of your orthodontic appliances are broken or bent, like loose bands, loose brackets, or broken or poking wires, please call our office to schedule an appointment during patient hours. We are unable to handle emergencies on a walk-in basis to ensure the convenience of scheduled patients. In the meantime, here are some helpful hints to address some common issues until our office can see you.
- Irritating Tie Wire: If a tie wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with beeswax or tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
- Loose Band or Bracket: A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until you are seen in our office. Call Hannah Orthodontics during patient hours when you notice a loose band or bracket. We will schedule an appointment to reattach the loose appliance if needed.
- Broken or Poking Archwire: A broken or poking archwire can often be bent back in with a pencil eraser or cut with nail clippers. Call our office during patient hours if you do not feel the problem has been resolved properly.
Watch the video below, which explains how to handle an orthodontic emergency.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
If you experience a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, follow these steps:- Ice the Injured Area: Immediately apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Contact Your Dentist: Reach out to your regular dentist as soon as possible, especially if a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured.
- X-ray Assessment: An x-ray may be necessary to determine the extent of the injury. If your appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will replace or adjust them after you’ve seen your general dentist, based on your comfort level.
