EnglishWhat to Do In Case of an Orthodontic Emergency
Getting accustomed to orthodontic treatment can take time. It's common to experience some soreness when appliances are first put on or minor aches as teeth move into new positions. Fortunately, genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare. Here’s what to do if you encounter a problem.
Identifying the Severity of the Problem
If you think you may have an orthodontic emergency, the first step is to determine its severity. Is it an urgent situation requiring immediate attention, or a minor problem that you can manage temporarily until you can come into the office?
Major Orthodontic Emergencies
True orthodontic (or dental) emergencies 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 these situations, seek help as soon as possible. Go to an emergency room if necessary, but the best place to start is often the dental office. For example, a fractured tooth requires immediate diagnosis and treatment, after which your orthodontic treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. Severe pain or swelling could indicate infection or disease, which also needs prompt treatment.
Handling Minor Orthodontic Problems
Most orthodontic issues are minor but may still cause discomfort or irritation. Here are some common problems and tips on how to handle them at home:
Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands, or Wires
This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky foods 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. Call our office to let us know what happened, and we will recommend the next step.
Misplaced or Poking Archwire, Bracket, or Tie
As teeth start to move, the archwire may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. Try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If it won't move, you may be able to cut the end off with a sterilized nail clipper — but call for guidance or instructions first. You can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or tie.
Covering metal parts with wax can often ease discomfort. Schedule an appointment to address these types of problems properly.
General Tooth Pain or Loosening
It's normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment — this indicates they’re moving. Sometimes, this movement is accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day salt-water rinse can 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 relief.
Conclusion
While actual orthodontic emergencies are rare, our goal is to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. For more information on handling orthodontic emergencies, please contact us.