Emergency Care
Emergency
Care
At Hadavand Orthodontics, we understand that prompt emergency care is crucial when unexpected issues arise with your orthodontic appliances. True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to provide emergency care and resolve the problem.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to solve many minor orthodontic emergencies and problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment. If your braces are poking you, put soft wax on the piece that’s sticking out. If the wire has slid to one side, you can pull it back to the other side with needle-nosed pliers, replacing it in the tube on the back tooth.
After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your treatment plan.
General soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chewing. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. An alternative (better tasting) mouthwash is the Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist. Placing Orabase on the affected area may also help relieve discomfort; Orabase can be found in a pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) actually slow the tooth movement, so it is not advisable to use them frequently while wearing braces.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Loose appliance
If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part.
Loose bracket
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.
Loose wire
Using a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is ok to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place: tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn’t help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp place wax on it.
Poking wire
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking.
Importance of Prompt Office Visits for Broken Appliances
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, encountering emergency orthodontics issues such as a broken bracket or appliance is not uncommon. It’s essential to address these problems promptly by visiting your orthodontist’s office. A broken bracket, while it may seem minor in the larger scope of emergency orthodontics, can significantly disrupt the progression of your treatment if left unattended. The bracket is a critical component of brace systems, holding the wire that applies controlled pressure to your teeth.
If a bracket detaches from a tooth, it can cause the wire to poke the inside of your mouth, leading to discomfort or even injury. Additionally, without all brackets securely attached, your teeth may not be moving as planned, which can extend your treatment time. Dr. Hadavand and the team at our McKinney office are equipped to handle such emergency orthodontics problems quickly, ensuring that your treatment remains on track and minimizing any discomfort or complications.
We’re Here to Help!
At Hadavand Orthodontics in McKinney, TX, we are dedicated to providing emergency care to address any urgent issues you may encounter during your treatment. Understanding the importance of timely intervention in emergency orthodontics, we encourage you to contact us immediately if you experience any discomfort or damage to your appliances. While some minor issues can be dealt with at home, our skilled team is ready to assist you in resolving more serious issues quickly and effectively, ensuring your treatment continues smoothly and your oral health is preserved. Remember, our commitment to your care extends beyond scheduled appointments — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
