Although major orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, when they do happen it is important to seek immediate attention. By comparison, a minor orthodontic issue is something you can usually take care of yourself, or wait until your next scheduled appointment for care. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the difference between an orthodontic emergency and a minor issue.
ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES
Acute, Direct Injury to the Mouth, Jaw, or TeethWhether undergoing orthodontic care or not, if you injure your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately. You may need an X-ray to determine the extent of your injury. If the injury affects the orthodontic appliances, they will need adjustment or possibly replacement, depending upon the extent of the injury.
Infected Teeth
It is possible for teeth to become infected following orthodontic treatment. This may or may not be related to your orthodontic appliances. If you experience pain or swelling around a tooth that gets progressively worse, seek professional care as soon as possible.
MINOR ORTHODONTIC ISSUES
While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, minor issues are much more common. Here are some examples of minor orthodontic issues that can be remedied on your own and/or fixed at your next office visit:
- Poking wire
- Loose bracket
- Loose elastic band
- Loose wire
- Loose appliance
- Headgear does not fit
- Lost or broken elastic band
- General soreness
Any of the above issues can happen as a result of normal usage, shifting, and wear of your braces. Eating unusually hard or sticky foods can cause or exacerbate these problems. Vigorous brushing of the teeth can also be a factor. None of these issues are emergencies unless they are accompanied by acute or prolonged pain or discomfort.
As for on-the-spot remedies, covering a loose bracket or wire with wax can be a quick fix to alleviate discomfort until your next orthodontist visit. Poking or protruding wires can be moved with a cotton swab or tweezers, or clipped down with nail clippers. Be sure to sterilize the tweezers or clippers in alcohol first. Cover any clipped wire ends with a small ball of wax.
Some soreness or small abrasions in the mouth are normal, especially with recent orthodontic work. Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution comprised of eight ounces or warm water and one teaspoon of salt.
When in doubt, be sure to contact our Berwick, VIC office with any questions, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Kip Homewood, Nishan Fernando, and David Mastroianni at South East Orthodontics.
Orthodontic Emergency Care FAQs
If you lose or break your retainer, it’s crucial to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on whether you need a replacement or if temporary measures are needed. In the meantime, avoid using makeshift replacements or trying to fix the retainer yourself, as this could affect your treatment. Your orthodontist will likely schedule an appointment to create a new retainer or make necessary adjustments. Wearing a broken or improperly fitting retainer can affect your teeth alignment, so timely replacement is essential.
If you have a loose wire from your braces, there are a few steps you can take to manage the situation until your next orthodontic appointment. First, use orthodontic wax to cover the end of the wire to prevent it from poking or irritating your mouth. If the wire is causing significant discomfort, you can use a pair of sterilised tweezers or a small piece of dental floss to gently move it back into place. Avoid cutting the wire yourself, as this can cause additional problems. Contact your orthodontist to inform them of the issue, and they will provide guidance or schedule an earlier appointment if necessary.
If your braces are causing severe discomfort, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. Start by using orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that are causing irritation to your gums or cheeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth may also reduce discomfort. If the pain persists or worsens, contact your orthodontist for advice. They may need to adjust your braces or provide additional solutions to ensure your comfort.