What to Do for an Orthodontic Emergency

Although orthodontic emergencies don’t happen very often, it’s important to be prepared for an emergency situation just in case. In this blog post, we’ll break down what you should do during an orthodontic emergency so you don’t have to reach for the panic button should one occur!

What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?

An orthodontic emergency can include a broken bracket or wire, especially if you are experiencing severe pain or excessive bleeding due to the damage. To help prevent damage to your braces, wear a mouthguard when playing sports and avoid foods that are potentially harmful to braces, such as nuts, corn on the cob, whole apples, popcorn, raw carrots, candy, taffy, caramel, and gum.

How to Handle an Orthodontic Emergency

If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, call our office right away to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist as soon as possible. From there, find a way to alleviate the pain you’re experiencing until your visit. For example, you could ice your cheeks and gums, use non-woven gauze to help curb any bleeding, or use dental wax to prevent brackets and wires from injuring the inside of your mouth. If you have a loose bracket or wire, do not pull on it or try to remove your braces; you might end up causing more damage than helping. In the meantime, eat very soft foods and avoid chewing on that side.

Discomfort After a Routine Orthodontic Appointment

It’s completely normal to feel some mild pain after your regular orthodontic treatment since you’ve had your brackets and wires adjusted and tightened. You may feel sore for a few days after an adjustment. Icing your cheeks, rinsing your mouth with warm salty water, and using an over-the-counter pain medication are all ways to help lessen your pain and soreness.

Try using dental wax if you feel that your wires and brackets are irritating your cheeks and gums. Give us a call if the area continues to bother you. We can schedule a time for you to pop in for us to take a look.

Weatherford Orthodontist

Meason Orthodontics offers comprehensive orthodontic care in Weatherford, TX. If you’ve experienced a broken bracket or other issue with your braces, please contact us for an appointment so we can get you fixed up!

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Categorised in: Orthodontics