What are Minor Orthodontic Emergencies?

Emergencies may be frightening, especially if we are directly affected. Fortunately, genuine orthodontic emergencies are uncommon. When anything with your braces or aligners does not go as planned, it has the potential to make you feel anxious and distressed. Not panicking is the most crucial thing to remember. It's critical to know what to do in the event of a problem, even if it's infrequent. Even if you are a careful person, accidents may still happen. But first, let's explore what counts as a minor orthodontic emergency.

Is the food stuck in your Braces? 

Braces are notorious for catching food. It's a nuisance, but it's hardly a life-threatening situation. Using dental floss or an interdental brush, you may remove most food particles. Your orthodontist should be called if you can't remove the debris.

Is your Brackets, bands, or wires loose or broken? 

Most of the time, loose or damaged brackets aren't a serious health risk. Put the broken piece in a plastic bag and bring it with you to your next visit if it has fallen off. Covering it with orthodontic wax might help if it's causing discomfort or scraping your mouth.

If your Retainer fails? 

If your retainer breaks, call your orthodontist. Retainers are an important aspect of orthodontic treatment because they keep teeth and gums in place. A damaged retainer can inappropriately apply force to your teeth, causing an abnormal shift that can create comparable complications as braces.

If your archwire, bracket, or tie gets misplaced? 

As your teeth adjust to the orthodontic treatment, the wire may protrude and hurt your cheeks. If this happens, reposition the wire using an eraser or Q-tip. Using a cotton swab or paper towel, dry the area first. The patient can reattach misplaced wires or ties with rubbing alcohol-soaked tweezers. There is no need to contact your dentist if you lose an elastic connection; the issue is easily treatable in your next visit to the dentist.

Meanwhile, cover bothersome wires and brackets with orthodontic wax. You may also trim wires using rubbing alcohol-clean nails or wire cutters. If you can't fix it, you may call your dentist.

If the wire of your braces slips out? 

Sometimes the wire slips out of the molar tube. If this happens, use your fingers or clean tweezers to reinsert it. If you can't fit it back in, you can trim it back using clean nail clippers and remove the loose portion (treatment won't be harmed).

Have you developed Ulcers or Sores? 

Braces might irritate your gums or mouth, causing sores or ulcers. They're natural, painful, and temporary, but Fingers off! Wax the bothersome bracket or wire and take over-the-counter pain medicine and gels that can safely and gently heal wounds.

Are Sores a Typical Result of Braces?

Yes, your braces will rub against your mouth since it's still adjusting. As your mouth adjusts to having braces, sores and ulcers may disappear. Follow the instructions above if sores and ulcers persist in reducing their discomfort.

Call Your Orthodontist:

When in doubt, it's better to be safe than sorry. Call your orthodontist. They'll tell you what to do at home and when to come in.

Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Danville Orthodontics now to learn more about orthodontic emergencies.

Resource:

Things You Need To Know About Surgical Orthodontics.

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition