Emergencies

At first, orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. When your appliances are first put on, it isn’t uncommon to experience a bit of soreness or minor aches as teeth move into new positions. Yet it’s comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.

If you think you are experiencing an emergency, determine the severity of the problem. Is it an urgent situation that requires immediate attention or a minor problem that you can take care of yourself temporarily until you can come into our office?

There are only a few true orthodontic (or dental) emergencies. They include:

• Trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth
• Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face
• Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas

In any of these situations, you should seek help as soon as possible — go to an emergency room if that’s your best option. Generally, however, the place to start is with your regular dentist. Remember that they are trained to handle various dental problems and can most likely offer the necessary diagnostic tools, anesthetics, and treatments you need. If, for example, you have a fractured tooth, your dentist will treat the immediate problem and arrange for the tooth’s restoration. Afterward, your orthodontic treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. Likewise, severe pain or swelling could be a sign of infection or disease, which a dentist or periodontist can best treat.

Fortunately, most orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it’s best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort and then call our office to schedule an appointment; that way, we can allot sufficient time to take care of you. Here are a few more common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on relieving them at home:

Loose or broken brackets, bands, or wires: This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky candy or food or playing with the braces. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don’t connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment.

Misplaced or poking archwire, bracket, or tie: As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If the wire doesn’t move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol — but before doing so, please call our office for guidance or instructions. Often, you can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie that’s causing problems.

When wires or brackets cause irritation, covering the metal parts with wax will often help ease the discomfort. As with any of these problems, call our office, and we’ll schedule a time to see you.

General tooth pain or loosening: It’s normal for teeth to become slightly loose during orthodontic treatment — that shows they’re moving! Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day salt-water rinse may also help: Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief.

While orthodontic emergencies are rare, we aim to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. If you need additional advice, don’t hesitate to call us!