Emergency Orthodontic Care
- Issues with Braces or Appliances – Loose brackets, poking wires, or broken appliances.
- Direct Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth – Accidents that affect your teeth, gums, or orthodontic appliances.
Orthodontic Appliance Emergencies
If you experience discomfort or a broken appliance, call our office during patient hours to schedule an appointment. We do not accept walk-in emergencies, as we want to provide each patient with the attention they deserve. In the meantime, here are a few quick fixes you can try at home:
- Irritating Tie Wire – If a tie wire is poking your cheek, cover it with orthodontic wax or gently push it under the archwire using a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
- Loose Bracket or Band – If a bracket or band becomes loose but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and call us to schedule a repair.
- Broken or Poking Wire – Try bending the wire with a pencil eraser or carefully trimming it with sterilized nail clippers. If the discomfort persists, contact our office for assistance.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
If you experience a direct injury to your mouth—whether you’re in orthodontic treatment or not—follow these steps:
- Apply Ice Immediately – This helps reduce swelling and pain.
- Contact Your Dentist – A general dentist should assess the injury first, especially if a tooth is chipped, displaced, or knocked out. They may need to take X-rays to evaluate the damage.
- Call Us if Your Appliances Are Affected – After seeing your dentist, let us know if your braces or appliances have shifted so we can make the necessary adjustments.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If you’re experiencing significant discomfort outside of office hours, call our main number for further instructions. Our voicemail will provide details on who to contact for urgent care.
We’re here to make your orthodontic journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!
