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Dental emergencies while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances can be placed into two categories:
- Direct injuries to the face, mouth and teeth.
- Emergencies involving the orthodontic appliances.
Direct injuries to the face, mouth or teeth:
Following a direct injury to your face, mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, you should be seen by your general dentist as soon as possible. Usually an X-ray of the involved tooth or teeth is needed to assess the extent of injury. If a tooth has been knocked out, severely displaced or fractured, it is best to contact your general dentist and our office immediately. In some instances, it may be necessary for you to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If the orthodontic appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust them as soon as possible.
Please call us immediately after seeing your general dentist. If you are unable to reach your general dentist or an alternate emergency facility, call our office and we will try to assist you in locating someone to care for the injury.
Emergencies related to orthodontic appliances:
Broken or loosened appliances may occur from time to time during orthodontic care. Good oral hygiene and good patient cooperation will prevent unnecessary breakage or loose appliances. If there is any difficulty, such as a loose band, broken or poking wires, call our office so that we can evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule you to be seen accordingly.
In the interim, here are helpful hints to remedy some of the problems that you may encounter until you can be in our office:
If a wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with wax or a small amount of sugarless gum.
A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen by Dr. Jane. Call during office hours when you notice a loose band or bracket so that we can schedule you to reattach the loose appliance. If you have an appliance that happens to come off, do not throw it away! Bring it with you to the office at the time of your appointment. If you do not call ahead and alert us to the fact that there is a problem, our schedule may require us to repair or replace your appliance at another scheduled time.
A broken arch wire or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue needs to be seen as soon as possible for replacement or adjustment.
A bent headgear or removable appliance that is not fitted well is not to be worn until it can be properly adjusted at the office. Call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have Dr. Jane make the adjustment.
Sensitivity or soreness:
At times during orthodontic care, your teeth may become tender or sore. This is normal and can be relieved by eating soft foods and rinsing the mouth with a teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water (as hot as tolerable). Aspirin or Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) may be taken as follows: two tables four times per day with milk. This will help relieve the inflammation around the tooth causing the discomfort. Sensitivity to heat and cold may also be noticed during treatment due to movement of the teeth. This is normal! If the discomfort continues over an extended period of time (over seven days), contact the office for an appointment.
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