When you least expect it, an orthodontic emergency can strike. It may happen suddenly in any household and at any time. Competently handling such urgent situations will prevent further complications. It will help if you know how to deal with the issues before contacting a Miami orthodontist.
What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?
Usually, orthodontic emergencies involve trauma, pain, or a broken device. It is crucial to contact a Doral orthodontist immediately if you experience an orthodontic emergency. Orthodontic emergencies include broken brackets and wires, lost separators, and swelling or pain. Other orthodontic emergencies may consist of:
- Swelling or excruciating pain
- Abscess or infection around the teeth or gums
- Broken braces
- Movement of the appliance or archwire
- Broken or missing retainers
- Protruding wires or sharp edges that irritate the skin
Anyone may experience an orthodontic emergency. When such a situation arises, you must assess it. You can check for signs like oral bleeding or swelling. Also, inquire if any device was swallowed. Though orthodontic emergencies rarely happen, becoming familiar with them is necessary.
You or your family member may experience issues during or after an orthodontic procedure that require attention. Your knowledge about such situations will help prevent further damage. The orthodontic appliances may cause discomfort or pain. Besides, a part may come off or break when it shouldn’t. Orthodontic specialists can determine the best approach to address these issues.
You can easily handle some problems by explaining the situation to Alquiza Orthodontics over the phone. Pictures of the cases can also help in addressing them. However, some positions require the immediate attention of orthodontic specialists, causing you to visit the professionals immediately.
It is best to seek the help of Miami orthodontists if you experience the following problems during orthodontic treatment:
- Mouth or gum swelling or bleeding
- Mouth, tooth, or face injuries
- Severe gum or mouth pain that has not improved despite treatment
Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them
It may be challenging to decide whether a situation can be considered an emergency. Conditions like severe swelling, pain that doesn’t respond to treatment, or a fractured tooth require the immediate attention of orthodontic specialists. However, you may handle some situations temporarily before visiting your orthodontists.
Loose or broken brackets
The brackets attached to the front of your teeth may become loose when you chew hard or sticky food. The problem can result in pain. If not repaired immediately, an open bracket can delay the progress of your orthodontic treatment, prolonging it. The unglued bracket no longer holds the tooth in position, allowing it to become misaligned.
If a broken bracket still glued to the wire is causing you pain, leave it until you visit an orthodontist. However, you can cover the affected wire with orthodontic wax if it scrapes your mouth’s inner wall or irritates you. It is best to visit an orthodontist without delay during business hours to resolve the problem.
Wire Jutting out of Your Mouth
When the wire shifts from its position, leave it if you are not feeling discomfort until your next dental visit. If you are in pain, you can temporarily use a soft earplug on the irritant and contact your orthodontist for a solution. You may see the professional on the same day.
A wire can cause discomfort if it sticks out of your mouth. Trim the offending wire with a nail clipper and try pushing it back into its position using cotton. Then, schedule an appointment with a Doral orthodontist to rectify the issue.
Knocked-out Tooth
It is possible to save a knocked-out tooth if you can reach a dentist or an orthodontist within an hour of the accident. If the tooth has fallen out, rinse it with a salt solution while holding it at the crown. You can store the tooth in a container containing your saliva, milk, or saline. Take the stored tooth along with you to the dentist.
The device may prevent your tooth from being knocked out if you get hit on the face while wearing braces. Instead, the impact may move the tooth out of its position, forcing the wire to bend. It is best to contact Miami orthodontics to realign the tooth.
Food Trapped in Braces
Food particles caught between a band and your tooth can cause discomfort. Avoid poking out the particles with a sharp object, which can damage the tooth surface. Brushing and flossing your teeth is ideal for dislodging the trapped object. However, you can only visit a dentist if it is practical.
Broken Retainers
Parts of your retainer may break, resulting in an improper fit and making you uncomfortable. If your retainer breaks, stop using it. Broken retainers can change the position of your teeth by wrongly applying pressure to them. Save the broken orthodontic appliances and the pieces and take them along on your next visit to your orthodontist.
Apply cold compresses to the affected area if you are experiencing pain and swelling. An over-the-counter pain reliever can ease the discomfort. However, it will help if you visit your orthodontist.
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
Avoiding orthodontic emergencies is an ideal approach to handling the issues. Unexpected situations may arise even when you don’t have unresolved dental problems. However, you can help prevent them if possible. Here are some tips to help you:
Maintain care instructions for braces: Follow your orthodontist’s guidelines for brushing and flossing while wearing braces. You can protect your braces and teeth from damage by heeding the instructions. Besides, don’t miss your appointments with the orthodontist.
Keep the eating instructions: You shouldn’t eat certain foods during your orthodontic treatment with braces. Avoiding the foods specified by orthodontic specialists will prevent damage to the dental appliance and discomfort.
Use a mouthguard during sports: Wear a mouthguard if you have braces while participating in sports. The device will prevent mouth injuries and breakage of the braces if you bump into other players or anything.
Anyone can experience orthodontic emergencies. However, visit dental professionals if such situations occur to relieve the pain. Children’s orthodontists can help you if your child faces teeth- and jaw-related issues.
Bacteria can accumulate on the retainers just as they do on the teeth. If you keep your teeth aligners clean, they will develop a good odor. Besides, a greasy white film will form on them. If you don’t clean your retainers, the layer hardens and becomes difficult to remove. Keeping your retainers odor-free, clean, and safe would be better than replacing the device.
