Orthodontic problems don’t often lead to emergencies, but there are moments when prompt attention is necessary. If you’re unsure about what qualifies as an orthodontic ’emergency,’ it’s anything that demands immediate attention and can’t wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Dental emergencies while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances usually fall into two categories, which are explained below:
Wax Placement
Pokey Wire Eraser Trick
Orthodontic Appliance-Related Emergencies
When it comes to your orthodontic treatment, occasional appliance issues like breakage or bending can happen. If you notice any problems, such as loose bands, brackets, or wires, we recommend giving our office a call to schedule an appointment during our regular patient hours. We can’t accommodate walk-in emergencies for the sake of our scheduled patients’ convenience. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to address some common problems you might encounter until we can see you.
- If a tie wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with wax or tuck it under the archwire with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
- A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen in our office. Call Moin Orthodontics, during patient hours, when you notice a loose band or bracket. We will schedule you to reattach the loose appliance.
- A broken or poking archwire can often be bent in with a pencil eraser or cut with nail clippers. Call our office, during patient hours, if you do not feel the problem has been resolved properly.
Injuries Directly Affecting the Mouth and Teeth
After experiencing a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment or not, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Begin by applying ice to the injured area, and then contact your regular dentist as soon as possible. In most cases, an X-ray of the affected tooth or teeth will be necessary to assess the extent of the injury.
If a tooth is dislodged, knocked out, or fractured, it’s advisable to reach out to your family dentist first. They have the necessary materials and anesthesia to address these injuries effectively. As for any dislodged or displaced appliances, we will need to replace or adjust them as soon as possible after you’ve consulted with your general dentist, taking into consideration your comfort level.
After Office Hours
If an orthodontic emergency arises where the patient is in pain after hours and cannot wait until the next business day, please contact our office at 603-669-4503 to be directed to the assistant on-call. We’re dedicated to putting your well-being first and will schedule your visit promptly to help with your emergency and ease any discomfort.
