Having a dental emergency can be a very stressful experience, and emergency orthodontics can be even more worrisome. But what exactly constitutes an emergency when it comes to orthodontic care? We will explore what requires an emergency orthodontics visit and the best ways to prevent and treat them. With information, you can be prepared in case of an orthodontic emergency and ensure you get the treatment you need.
If you have braces, one of the most common emergency orthodontics reasons is a broken wire. This can be caused by biting into hard food, getting hit in the mouth, or just normal wear and tear. A broken wire can cause discomfort and pain and even lead to further damage if not treated promptly.
If you experience a broken wire, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. Meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp ends of the wire and prevent it from irritating your cheeks or gums. Be careful when eating, and avoid hard or sticky foods that can exacerbate the problem.
When you visit your orthodontist, they will examine the wire and determine the best action. In some cases, they may be able to simply trim the wire and adjust your braces to alleviate the discomfort. However, if the wire is too damaged or broken, they may need to replace it entirely.
If you find that one of your brackets has come loose, this is considered an emergency, and you should contact your orthodontist right away. A loose bracket can cause discomfort and can even damage the surrounding teeth and soft tissues.
In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to help yourself get more comfortable and reduce the risk of further damage. First, try to gently push the bracket back into place using a clean finger or the eraser end of a pencil. If this is not something you can do, you can cover the bracket with dental wax to protect the surrounding tissues from irritation.
Avoid foods that can dislodge the bracket further, such as hard and sticky foods. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to soothe any discomfort and keep your mouth clean.
Remember that you cannot ignore or fix a loose bracket on your own. Contact your orthodontist immediately for further advice and treatment. They may schedule an appointment to repair or replace the bracket, or they may provide you with additional instructions for managing the situation until you can come in for an appointment.
Spacers are small rubber rings placed between your teeth to create enough space for orthodontic bands or other appliances. They are commonly used in preparation for braces. If one or more of your spacers has fallen out, it may cause discomfort or pain in your teeth.
If you experience this, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. In some cases, they can recommend a quick fix until you can come in for a proper repair. This could include using orthodontic wax to temporarily fill the space or adjusting your braces to reduce any discomfort. However, if left untreated, it could potentially impact your treatment progress and cause further complications down the road.
Keep in mind that spacers should be avoided when consuming hard or sticky foods, as they could cause the spacer to come loose or become dislodged. Follow your orthodontist’s guidelines for eating during your treatment and report any issues you experience with your spacers or any other orthodontic appliances.
A lost retainer may not seem like a big deal, but it is actually quite serious. Your retainer keeps your teeth in their newly aligned position, and without it, they could start shifting back to their original positions. So if you lose your retainer, you should contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They are able to make you a replacement retainer or give you other options to prevent your teeth from moving back.
You should note that losing your retainer is not an emergency like a broken wire or a loose bracket, but it is still urgent. Your orthodontist may ask you to come in for an appointment to check on the alignment of your teeth and ensure they are not shifting. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to orthodontic treatment, so do not hesitate to call your orthodontist if you lose your retainer.
Request an appointment here: https://paramountdentalspecialty.com or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at (562) 450-1261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Orthodontics in Long Beach, CA.
Both dental bridges and implants are popular, effective tooth replacement solutions. However, there are cases in which a general dentist may recommend a dental bridge over implants. This may be due to the number of teeth missing, their location, and the strength of the underlying jawbone, among other factors. Understanding how each of these treatments…
A dental bridge is one of the most common ways to replace a missing tooth without undergoing a lengthy or invasive procedure. Among the available tooth replacement procedures, general dentists often recommend a dental bridge because of the simplicity of its installment. However, other tooth replacement procedures comparable to dental bridges are available. A stellar…
Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge if your case needs it. Every patient has a different set of needs. Proper assessment allows the dentist to suggest the right dental replacement. Here are the details on when a dental bridge may become your dentist’s recommendation.Dentists often encourage their patients to stop consuming tobacco. Following this…
When the smile is missing a tooth or three, a general dentist may recommend dental bridges to restore its appearance and functionality. Even a single missing tooth can cause difficulties with eating and speaking. It also leaves room for the remaining teeth to shift, leading to a misaligned bite. While traditional and implant-supported dental bridges…