Orthodontist dr. Collie treating a young patient during an orthodontic visit at wake pediatric dentistry & orthodontics.

Emergency Orthodontics

Easing Your Worries and Discomfort

At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we know that accidents happen. Maybe you went to the movies with some friends, and decided to splurge for that popcorn, or you forgot your mouthguard and suffered an accidental injury during your soccer game. While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we understand sometimes solving the problem at home can be difficult. That’s why we are here to help guide you through some simple solutions to alleviate that discomfort!

Emergency Orthodontics

Easing Your Worries and Discomfort

At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we know that accidents happen. Maybe you went to the movies with some friends, and decided to splurge for that popcorn, or you forgot your mouthguard and suffered an accidental injury during your soccer game. While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we understand sometimes solving the problem at home can be difficult. That’s why we are here to help guide you through some simple solutions to alleviate that discomfort!

Orthodontic emergencies

Typical Orthodontic Emergencies & How To Remedy Them

Many issues, like a protruding wire or broken bracket, can be managed at home before coming in for an appointment. Here are some common things that may happen while undergoing orthodontic treatment:

If the bracket or band can be easily removed, place it in an envelope and keep it to bring with you to our office. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, follow these steps:

  • Leave the loose part in place.
  • Apply wax to alleviate discomfort.
  • Once you’ve taken these steps, please contact our office for further assistance.

A wire can come loose or poke out for several reasons including from eating hard or sticky foods, a sports injury or accident, or your elastic band that holds the wire to your bracket broke. If this happens, you can temporarily apply orthodontic wax. Simply dry the area around the wire with a cotton swab or tissue, then take a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and gently press it onto the end of the wire. This will provide a cushion between the wire and your gums or cheek, reducing irritation.

A lot of our patients may experience soreness after an adjustment appointment. This is where our orthodontist tightens your brackets to help your teeth move into the desired positions over time. As a result, your mouth may feel sore and it may be uncomfortable to eat certain foods. We recommend trying over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol to alleviate the soreness.

Oftentimes after initially beginning your treatment, your mouth, gums and tongue may become irritated as they get used to your new appliances. You can place orthodontic wax on the brackets that are causing irritation to act as a temporary buffer.

Your orthodontist might insert separators or spacers between your teeth to create room for the bands that will go around some of your teeth. If a separator becomes dislodged, perform the “floss test”: take a piece of floss, fold it in half, and tie two knots in it. If the knot moves smoothly between the teeth, there’s enough room. If it gets stuck, call our office to have the separator repositioned.

Regardless of whether you resolve the issue yourself, please make sure you contact one of our offices at Raleigh, Smithfield or Garner to schedule a repair appointment. Delaying repairs could potentially disrupt your treatment schedule and cause true orthodontic emergencies.

When you call us with a broken appliance, we may ask what part of your braces is broken. Use this picture to help learn about and identify the different parts of your braces! By understanding what is wrong, we can help you fix the problem more efficiently.

Braces model

Avoiding Orthodontic Emergencies

It is crucial you take proper care of your braces in order to ensure efficient and effective treatment. There are several preventative measures you can take to lessen your chances of having orthodontic emergencies. Here are a few of them:

  • Avoid hard, sticky foods like caramels and hard candies
  • Maintain proper oral hygiene like brushing, flossing and rinsing
  • Wear a mouthguard, especially during sports activities
  • Break bad habits like nail biting or chewing on pens/pencils

What Constitutes An Orthodontic Emergency?

True orthodontic emergencies refers to a situation that requires immediate attention from an orthodontist to prevent serious complications or alleviate severe pain. At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we understand emergencies can be scary and unsettling. We do everything we can to put your mind at ease and restore normalcy. If you are unsure how to handle your orthodontic situation, please call our office at (919) 719-1780. Our team will do what they can to make sure you get the relief you need.

Wake patients smiling in dental chairs
Wake pediatric patient hugging stuffed monkey
Wake exterior signage

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Smiles Crafted With Precision, Care And Expertise

When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.