Orthodontic Emergencies

Knowing When Your Smile Needs Urgent Attention In Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC

Orthodontic appliances, such as braces and clear aligners, take some time to get used to. After first receiving a new orthodontic appliance or having adjustments made, it’s normal to experience minor soreness as your teeth shift. However, if you’re experiencing persistent, severe pain or have broken your appliance, your situation may qualify as an orthodontic emergency. Knowing how to discern between orthodontic emergencies, a true emergency or a minor issue can make all the difference in response and resolution in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC.

Young patient checking braces in mirror after orthodontic emergency visit in chesapeake va near elizabeth city nc and moyock nc

Orthodontic Emergencies

Knowing When Your Smile Needs Urgent Attention In Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC

Orthodontic appliances, such as braces and clear aligners, take some time to get used to. After first receiving a new orthodontic appliance or having adjustments made, it’s normal to experience minor soreness as your teeth shift. However, if you’re experiencing persistent, severe pain or have broken your appliance, your situation may qualify as an orthodontic emergency. Knowing how to discern between orthodontic emergencies, a true emergency or a minor issue can make all the difference in response and resolution in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC.

Young patient checking braces in mirror after orthodontic emergency visit in chesapeake va near elizabeth city nc and moyock nc

Examples Of Orthodontic Emergencies

There are only a few true orthodontic emergencies, and most should be handled by your dentist or the emergency room rather than your orthodontist in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC.

They include:

  • Trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth

  • Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face

  • Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas

Orthodontic Emergencies Versus True Emergencies

If you have experienced damage to your mouth, jaws or teeth, the best first step is to call your dentist for next steps. They are trained to handle a variety of dental problems and can provide the diagnostic tools, anesthetics and treatments you may need. In some cases, what appears to be an orthodontic emergency may require immediate dental care instead.

If the damage is significant or you are bleeding profusely, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Medical professionals are best equipped to stop the bleeding and ensure you receive prompt, appropriate care to get you back on the path to wellness.

Orthodontist treating braces emergency in chesapeake va orthodontic office serving elizabeth city nc and moyock nc

Orthodontic Problems

If you are not profusely bleeding or experiencing significant, debilitating pain or damage to your teeth, mouth, or jaws, it is likely that you are dealing with an orthodontic problem rather than one of the orthodontic emergencies. Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic issues are minor and can be resolved at home or with a quick trip to visit Dr. Glass at our office in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC.

Common Orthodontic Problems Include:

  • Lost or broken retainers or aligners

  • A poking archwire, bracket or tie

  • Loose or broken brackets, bands or wires

FAQs About Common Orthodontic Problems

What should I do if I have a loose or broken bracket, band or wire?

If the broken band or bracket is still connected to the wire, leave it as is and do not attach any elastics to it. If it’s causing irritation, cover it with orthodontic wax. If it is no longer attached, save it. Contact our office and let our friendly team know what happened. They’ll get you on the schedule quickly to fix the break and get your smile back on track. Don’t forget to bring any broken parts to your appointment. In most cases, this is not an orthodontic emergency but should be addressed promptly.

At Glass Orthodontics, we understand that accidents happen. However, protecting your orthodontic appliances is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that are hard or sticky can go a long way in protecting your appliances and preventing unnecessary visits for an orthodontic emergency.

As you progress through treatment, your teeth shift, which can sometimes cause an archwire to poke or rub the inside of your mouth. If this occurs, call our office and we’ll schedule an appointment to fix it. In the meantime, try using the back of a pencil eraser to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position, carefully clip it with clean nail clippers, or cover it with orthodontic wax. This issue is typically not considered an orthodontic emergency but should be addressed for your comfort.

It’s completely normal for teeth to become slightly loose or tender during orthodontic treatment. This is a sign that treatment is working and your teeth are moving as planned. To help relieve soreness, Dr. Glass recommends over-the-counter pain relievers. A twice-daily saltwater rinse or holding a warm washcloth or heating pad against the outside of the jaw may also provide relief. This is a routine part of treatment and not an orthodontic emergency.

If you lose or break your retainer or aligners, call our office for guidance on the next steps. If you don’t have a backup retainer, we will schedule you as soon as possible to create a replacement. If you are undergoing treatment with clear aligners, we may recommend moving to the next set or returning to your previous set to prevent your teeth from shifting. While not typically an orthodontic emergency, timely action is important to keep your smile on track.

Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va
Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va

BECAUSE A GOOD SMILE FEELS

AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

Ready to take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile? Request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Glass Orthodontics today. Our team proudly welcomes patients from Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, and Moyock, NC, and will guide you through personalized treatment options in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Get started today and discover how easy it can be to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.