When orthodontic emergencies happen, we’re here for you

Kristo Orthodontics can help you tell emergencies from common issues.

Most orthodontic repairs can wait to be handled at your next regularly scheduled appointment. Other repairs shouldn’t wait and require an immediate appointment or even orthodontic emergency care. We’re always available to help you decide if you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency. Simply contact the Kristo office nearest you.

What is an orthodontic emergency?

Luckily, true orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they’re something that patients may encounter during treatment. Severe concerns may require emergency care and shouldn’t wait. Schedule an emergency orthodontist appointment by calling our office during business hours or the appropriate emergency number for the location near you if you experience one of the following:

  • Orthodontic emergency injury
    Orthodontic emergency injury

    An injury to your mouth, face, or teeth

  • Significant pain in your gums, mouth, or face

How to handle common issues with braces

Issues such as loose bands or brackets, broken or poking arch wires, and general tenderness can be temporarily fixed at home until your next appointment. Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so taking care of your braces is important. Here are some solutions for common issues you may notice during your orthodontic treatment:

Loose wires and bands

The wires and bands on your braces may sometimes come loose. You can temporarily fix a loose wire by using the eraser end of a pencil to carefully push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is broken or irritating your lips or cheeks, place some wax or sugar-free gum over the wire. Contact us during regular business hours so we can determine if a repair appointment is needed.

Soreness

Your teeth and mouth may feel a bit tender, sore or irritated during treatment, which is perfectly normal. To help relieve oral tissue discomfort, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water, this will also promote the healing of your mouth. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting out. You can also apply wax to your braces to lessen the irritation, and a pain reliever will help with tooth or jaw aches and pains.

Loose or broken brackets

Experiencing a loose or broken bracket is not uncommon. To remove a broken bracket, you may need to remove the tie or elastic. Keep the bracket in a safe location to bring to your next appointment. If the bracket is not easily removed and still attached to the wire, use wax to hold the bracket in place and call us to determine if a repair appointment should be scheduled.

Sports injury

If you experience a sports injury, immediately check your mouth for loose teeth or significant damage to your appliance. If detected, contact our office to determine the need for emergency care. You can temporarily relieve discomfort by applying wax, rinsing with warm salt water, or with pain relievers. It’s important that all athletes have a properly fitting mouth guard.

Broken or lost appliances

If any piece of your orthodontic appliance or retainer is broken or lost, call our office for immediate guidance and to schedule a repair appointment. If your appliance is only cracked but not broken, you can continue to wear it.

Loose teeth

If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t be alarmed. This is a perfectly normal part of the straightening process. Braces need to loosen your teeth before shifting them into the correct position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer feel loose.

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