Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do and How We Can Help
Occasionally, patients may experience an injury or issue with their orthodontic appliances during treatment. At Stellar Orthodontics, we want you to feel prepared and confident in knowing what steps to take. Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories: problems related to appliances and direct injuries to the mouth or teeth.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
Braces and orthodontic appliances are designed to be durable, but they can occasionally become loose, bent, or broken. If you experience any disturbances—such as loose brackets, loose bands, or poking wires—please call our office during regular patient hours so we can schedule a visit. For the comfort of all our patients, walk-in emergency visits cannot be accommodated.
While you wait for your appointment, here are helpful tips to ease discomfort:
Irritating Tie Wire
If a tie wire is poking or rubbing your cheek, you can:
Cover it with orthodontic wax
Gently tuck it under the archwire using a pencil eraser or the end of a Q-tip
Loose Band or Bracket
A loose band or bracket can typically remain in place until you are seen by Dr. Preeti Sidhu. Call Stellar Orthodontics during office hours to schedule a repair.
Broken or Poking Archwire
If a wire is sticking out, try gently bending it inward with a pencil eraser. If necessary, you may carefully clip it with clean nail clippers. If the issue persists or causes discomfort, contact our office so we can ensure the appliance is properly adjusted.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
If you experience trauma to the mouth, whether or not you are wearing braces, apply ice to the injured area right away. Then, contact your general dentist as soon as possible. They will likely need to take X-rays to determine the severity of the injury.
Please reach out to your family dentist first if you experience:
A knocked-out tooth
A displaced tooth
A fractured tooth
Your dentist has the tools and anesthesia needed to treat these injuries. After any necessary dental treatment, Stellar Orthodontics will evaluate and adjust your orthodontic appliances if they were dislodged or damaged during the injury.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If an urgent orthodontic issue occurs outside of regular office hours and your teen or child is in significant discomfort, please contact our office. Our voicemail or after-hours message will provide instructions on who to reach for assistance.
Trusted Orthodontic Emergency Assistance in Fulshear, TX
If you’re unsure how to handle an orthodontic issue, your comfort and safety are our top priority. Reach out to Stellar Orthodontics anytime you need support with an orthodontic concern.
