Orthodontic Emergencies – Webster, MA
How to Effectively Care For Braces-Related Emergencies
From severe tooth pain to soft tissue cuts, dental-related injuries can be painful, anxiety-inducing and inconvenient. Fortunately, orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, which means you will likely get through your entire treatment without ever experiencing one. However, it is best to be prepared, so that if one does arise, you can swiftly leap into action. With this in mind, keep reading to learn how to effectively care for braces-related emergencies. If you’d prefer to speak directly with our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
How to Handle Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Whether your orthodontic emergency is relatively minor or one that results in immense pain, it is important to remember that all braces-related injuries require a visit to your orthodontist. Neglecting to seek care when the issue first arises can result in further damage, delaying your treatment timeline significantly. That being said, there are a few actions you can take at home to protect your teeth and gums until your appointment!
Broken Brackets
Fortunately, broken and loose brackets are orthodontic emergencies that are rarely painful. If the bracket has come off entirely, then carefully place it in a plastic bag and bring it with you to your next appointment. If it is still attached to the wire, do your best to leave it alone. If it is causing irritation, then cover the sharp edges in orthodontic wax. In both cases, you should get in touch with our team right away so we can determine what the next best steps are.
Loose/Protruding Wire
A misdirected wire can be a major source of discomfort, resulting in irritation and potential damage to the soft tissue in your mouth. Therefore, priority number one is placing some orthodontic wax on the end of the wire, which will protect your mouth. You can also move the wire into a better position by gently using a clean Q-tip to guide it back into place. Just remember that these are both temporary solutions that are designed to protect your teeth and gums until your appointment. You still need to notify our team so we can schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Webster to adjust your braces.
Broken Retainer
Retainers are an essential component of preserving your hard-earned results. Neglecting to wear it for even a day can cause your teeth to begin shifting back into their previous position. Therefore, if your retainer sustains a small chip, breaks in two or shatters into multiple pieces, gather the fragments in a plastic bag and give us a call. From there, we can take the necessary steps to have it repaired or replaced altogether.
Tooth Pain
To effectively guide your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position, braces apply a good deal of pressure. Therefore, some tooth pain is normal during orthodontic treatment, especially after your braces get adjusted. However, mild to severe discomfort stemming from one tooth or a specific area of your mouth could be a result of decay, which needs to be treated right away. Since it’s better to be safe than sorry, don’t hesitate to bring any tooth or oral pain to our attention. That way, we can conduct an exam and intervene with the appropriate treatment if necessary.
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
While accidents aren’t entirely avoidable, many braces-related emergencies are preventable. With this in mind, make sure to abide by the below best practices throughout your treatment:
- Attend your adjustment appointments.
- Schedule a dental checkup and teeth cleaning every six months.
- Follow the dietary restrictions (i.e., no crunchy foods, no gum, etc.).
- Implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine.
- Cut back on your sugar intake.
- Avoid poor dental habits, like chewing on ice and nail-biting.
If you have any further questions about orthodontic emergencies or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!