Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do and When to Call
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when it happens it’s important to have access to an orthodontist you know and trust. At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, we are available for patients who are experiencing severe pain or a painful orthodontic appliance issue that you are not able to fix on your own. We are able to schedule an emergency orthodontic visit when necessary to ensure that you are no longer in pain and your problem is addressed.
If you’re not sure whether your orthodontic problem is an emergency or not, check the below list of dental problems you can fix at home that usually do not require an emergency dentist or emergency orthodontist. Some of these solutions are simply temporary pain relieving options, and you should still give us a call to schedule an appointment for a full evaluation and treatment.
WHAT ORTHODONTIC/BRACES PROBLEMS CAN I FIX MYSELF AT HOME?
LOOSE BRACKET
You can deal with a loose braces bracket by simply leaving it as it is. Do not try to pull it looser or remove it. If it completely breaks off but is still attached to your wire, also leave it as it is. Place it back into its proper place if possible. If it becomes uncomfortable or painful, cover it with wax and give us a call.
LOOSE BANDS
If a braces band, which are the metal caps around your molars, becomes loose or comes off the tooth completely, leave it in place. If it is causing pain or discomfort, place wax over it and schedule an appointment at Amazing Smiles.
WIRE POKING OUT
If a metal wire from your braces, retainer, or other appliance is poking you, try using a pencil eraser or a spoon to bent wire braces in a way that is no longer bothering you. If that doesn’t work, you can use a small piece of wax to cover the sharp portion of the wire. You can also attempt to cut the wire using nail clippers, but be careful and have someone help you if possible.
LOOSE WIRE
If your wire loosens, attempt to put the wire back in place using tweezers. You can also apply wax to help keep the wire in place. As a last resort, you can use fingernail clippers to clip the wire where it has become loose and keep the rest of the wire in place.
BRACES SORENESS
Anytime you visit Amazing Smiles to have your braces tightened, you’ll experience some soreness in the following days. You can take a pain-relieving medicine, like Advil or Tylenol, to help with the discomfort, which should go away within a few days. If your pain worsens or is severe, give us a call.
BLEEDING WHILE BRUSHING TEETH
If your teeth bleed during brushing or flossing, that could indicate an infection. Keep the area clean by continuing your normal brushing and flossing routine as well as rinsing with mouthwash. If you notice any discoloration, bumps, or other abnormalities in the area of bleeding, address it with one of our orthodontists as soon as you can.
If you are suffering from an orthodontic emergency, call our emergency hotline number at 1(800) 449-1810.