Orthodontic Emergency Care

When you’re wearing braces or retainers, you always run the risk of experiencing an orthodontic emergency. By learning more orthodontic emergency information, patients can feel better prepared for when an accident occurs.

Learning Orthodontic Emergency Information

If you experience an orthodontic emergency, such as a broken or lost appliance, we urge you to call our office as soon as possible. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled soon, please call us immediately to let us know that you need an appliance repaired. We will also be able to provide you with any needed instructions on what to do until you can come to our office to see our dentist.

Food Trapped

It’s common to have trouble eating once you have braces. With so many small spaces around your teeth, it can be easy to trap food in your braces. If flossing or rinsing with a mouthwash won’t loosen the food, call your orthodontist to for more orthodontic emergency information. To avoid problems with food, learn about which foods to avoid with braces.

Loose Brackets or Bands

If a bracket, band, or wire is loosened, please call our office immediately; the brackets may need to be refitted. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, we recommend using fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. You may also need to slide a bracket off at night or over a weekend before you are able to come to our office. Please call our office on the next business day so we can schedule an appointment for you.

Poking Wires or Wire Irritations

If the wire is irritating your cheeks or gums, you can move the wire away from the irritated area by using a cotton swab or eraser. Can’t move the wire? Cover the end of it with a small piece of cotton or wax to relieve irritation. If the wire is still painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors. Make sure to wash and sterilize these with alcohol before use. If you need to cut the wire or if you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call us for an appointment.

Lost Separators

Many patients lose a separator over the course of their treatment. If you lose a separator, call our office to see if you need a replacement.

Discomfort with Braces and Orthodontic Treatment

During the first week after your placement for braces, and after routine adjustments, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. This is normal and you do not need to worry. You may want to take acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever if your teeth are sore after adjustment appointments. You may also wish to use a warm washcloth or heating pad to reduce soreness in the jaws.

Orthodontic Emergency Information with Ricci Orthodontics

If you experience an orthodontic emergency, we encourage you to visit Ricci Orthodontics as soon as possible. Delaying your visit could prolong your discomfort and disrupt your treatment plan. To address a problem or learn more orthodontic emergency information, contact Ricci Orthodontics today. Call our team today at (678) 932-0308 to speak with a team member.