Orthodontic Emergencies
What to do?
At first, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It isn’t uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it’s comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.
If you think you may have an emergency, we’re here to help! Please call us and we can talk thru the situation to determine if it is an urgent situation that requires immediate attention, or a minor problem that you can take care of yourself, temporarily, until you can come into the office.
Please refer to our video gallery to address some common questions regarding orthodontic care.
If you think you may have an emergency, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem
Handling Major Orthodontic Emergencies
While most orthodontic issues are minor and can be managed at home or with a quick visit to the orthodontist, there are some severe situations that demand immediate attention. Major orthodontic emergencies include:
In any of these scenarios, it’s crucial to act quickly. In certain cases, heading to an emergency room might be the best initial step, especially if the orthodontist or dentist isn’t immediately available.
But for issues like a fractured tooth, starting at the dental office is usually recommended. Once the immediate issue is addressed, your orthodontic treatment plan can be reassessed and modified if necessary.
Remember, severe pain or pronounced swelling could indicate a deeper problem like an infection, which necessitates swift treatment.
Minor Emergencies
While most orthodontic concerns aren’t severe, they can still lead to discomfort or irritation. It’s advisable to initially alleviate the discomfort and subsequently schedule an appointment.
Below, we outline prevalent orthodontic issues and provide insights on managing them at home: