Orthodontist Emergency Care
Occasionally, accidents happen, especially during orthodontic treatment. Whether it’s a poking wire or a direct injury to the mouth, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. At Sacramone Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through any orthodontic emergency with helpful advice and professional care.
Most dental emergencies during orthodontic treatment fall into two main categories:
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
Braces and orthodontic appliances can sometimes become broken, bent, or loose. If you experience any of the following, please call our office during regular patient hours so we can schedule an appointment to address the issue. For the comfort and safety of all patients, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins for emergencies.
Here are a few common appliance issues, and what you can do at home:
Irritating Tie Wire: If a tie wire is poking your mouth, try covering it with orthodontic wax or gently tucking it under the archwire using a clean Q-tip or pencil eraser.
Loose Band or Bracket: Leave it in place if it isn’t causing discomfort. Call our office to determine if it needs to be reattached.
Broken or Poking Wire: Use a pencil eraser to push the wire flat against your teeth, or carefully clip it with sterilized nail clippers if it’s causing discomfort. Contact us to assess whether further action is needed.
These minor issues are typically not urgent, but they do need professional attention. Please call us to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
If you suffer a direct injury to your teeth or mouth, whether or not you’re wearing braces, it’s important to act quickly.
Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling.
Contact your general dentist immediately. You may need X-rays to evaluate the damage.
If a tooth is chipped, displaced, or knocked out, your family dentist is the best first point of contact, as they have the equipment and anesthesia required to manage dental trauma.
After seeing your dentist, call us to evaluate and adjust your orthodontic appliances if needed.
We’ll coordinate care to help restore your treatment as comfortably and efficiently as possible.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If you’re experiencing significant pain or discomfort outside of office hours, please call our office line for after-hours instructions. We’ll provide information on who to contact for urgent orthodontic assistance.