Problems Emergencies
orthodontic emergencies | orthodontic problems
Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies are rare; however, when they occur, please contact the office and, if after hours, leave a message in the emergency mailbox.* Orthodontic emergencies, as a general rule, include:
- Severe or unmanageable pain or discomfort
- Trauma or injury to the face or mouth
- Infection and/or swelling
Severe or Unmanageable Pain or Discomfort
For the first few days after braces or appliances are placed, the teeth are usually tender and sore. The discomfort can be relieved with ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter medication. If this does not help and the pain or discomfort is unmanageable, please call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox.*Trauma or Injury to the Face or Mouth
In case of trauma or injury involving the face or teeth in a patient with braces or other orthodontic appliances, check the mouth and appliances for damage. If a hospital visit is unnecessary, but the injury has resulted in tooth or jaw pain, tooth loss, tooth mobility, tooth movement, a change in the bite, significant swelling, or other major concern, please call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox.* If appliances are damaged, but not causing pain or any of the above problems, call the office for a regular appointment.Infection or Swelling
In case of infection or swelling involving the face or teeth in a patient with braces or other orthodontic appliances, please call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox.*
Orthodontic Problems
Most orthodontic problems can be temporarily resolved at home until an appointment is scheduled. After alleviating the discomfort, it is important to call the office to schedule an appointment to repair the problem.
Poking Wire or Brace
Occasionally, a wire or brace will become loose. If a brace is loose or comes off, call the office to schedule an appointment for repair. If a wire protrudes or a loose brace is irritating, gently push the wire or brace away from the cheek or tongue and place wax or a piece of sugarless gum over the wire or loose brace to relieve the irritation.Loose Bracket or Band
If a bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and put wax on it if it is irritating the cheek or tongue. If the bracket or band comes off entirely, save it and bring it with you to your next appointment.Loose Wire
Using a tweezer, try to place the wire back into position. If you are unable to reposition the wire, place wax over any areas causing irritation. If using wax does not help, use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which the wire is fastened. Call the office to schedule an appointment to check and/or replace the wire.Loose or Damaged Appliance
If a cemented orthodontic appliance becomes loose on one side, leave the appliance in place. If the appliance is loose on both sides and can be removed easily, take the appliance out and save it. In either case, call the office to schedule a regular appointment. If an appliance is damaged or loose and causing unmanageable pain or discomfort, please call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox.*General Discomfort/Tooth Pain
For the first few days after braces or wires are placed, the teeth are usually tender and sore. The discomfort can be relieved with ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter medication. If this does not help and the pain is unmanageable, please call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox.* The lips, tongue, and cheeks may also be sore for the first one to two weeks as they adjust to the surface of the braces. Placing wax over the braces as directed will help relieve the discomfort. Rinsing with warm salt water also will speed up the adjustment process. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinse for thirty seconds twice per day.Loosening of Teeth
During orthodontic treatment, it is normal for teeth periodically to become loose as they are repositioned. In fact, teeth must loosen or become mobile prior to being moved. The teeth will lose this mobility after tooth movement has slowed or after braces are removed.
*Leaving a message in the emergency mailbox:
In case of an emergency, call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox. Emergency calls will be returned promptly, usually within 30 minutes. If the call is not returned, please leave a second message. If the problem cannot wait and/or it is not returned after the second message, contact your regular dentist or local hospital.
