Orthodontic emergencies often happen at the most inconvenient times, causing distress and discomfort. At South East Orthodontics, we understand the urgency of these situations and are committed to providing you with the care you need, even when an emergency strikes outside of regular surgery hours. Whether you’re dealing with a painful appliance problem or sudden discomfort, our team, led by Dr Kip Homewood, Dr Nishan Fernando, and Dr Adam Wallace, is here to help.
What Constitutes an Orthodontic Emergency?
An orthodontic emergency can be any issue related to your braces or other orthodontic appliances that causes discomfort or affects the effectiveness of your treatment. While most issues can wait until your next scheduled visit, certain situations require immediate care, including:
- Severe pain – If you’re experiencing significant pain due to your braces, wires, or other orthodontic appliances, it’s important to seek help promptly.
- Loose or broken appliances – If a bracket or wire becomes loose or breaks, it can be uncomfortable or even cause injury. This needs attention to prevent further issues.
- Protruding wires – If a wire from your braces begins to poke into your gums or cheek, it can cause irritation or injury that requires immediate care.
- Swelling or infection – If you notice swelling, discomfort, or signs of infection around your braces or gums, prompt care is essential to prevent complications.
If any of these situations arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you address these issues quickly and effectively.
Emergency Care Outside Surgery Hours
At South East Orthodontics, we believe in providing comprehensive care when you need it most. If you experience an orthodontic emergency outside of regular surgery hours, we offer an out-of-hours emergency service. Simply call our practice and follow the emergency prompts to speak with one of our experienced doctors. Our team is always willing to help, whether late in the evening or over the weekend.
By offering emergency care outside of standard surgery hours, we ensure you’re never left in discomfort. Whether you’re in Berwick, Glen Iris, or the surrounding areas, our team is ready to assist with urgent orthodontic issues.
How to Handle Common Orthodontic Issues Until You Can See Us
While waiting for your appointment, here are a few things you can do to alleviate pain or discomfort caused by common orthodontic emergencies:
- Loose bracket – If a bracket comes loose, try to reposition it gently with a clean cotton bud or tissue. You can also use orthodontic wax to hold the bracket in place until you can visit us.
- Protruding wire – If a wire is poking into your cheek or gums, you can use a pencil rubber to gently push the wire down or use wax to cover the end until we can adjust it.
- Pain relief – If you’re experiencing pain from your braces or appliances, over-the-counter pain relief medication like ibuprofen can help. A warm salt water rinse can also soothe irritated gums.
- Swelling or infection – If you notice swelling or infection, rinse with warm salt water and apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling.
These are temporary measures, but they can help manage your symptoms until you can see us for professional care.
Our Commitment to Your Comfort and Care
At South East Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional care, particularly during orthodontic emergencies. We understand that unexpected issues can be stressful and uncomfortable, which is why our team is always prepared to offer prompt and compassionate support when you need it most.
Whether you’re visiting our Berwick or Glen Iris practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you find yourself in an emergency situation. We are dedicated to ensuring that your treatment proceeds smoothly, with minimal disruption and discomfort. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help whenever you need us.