How to Handle Orthodontic Emergencies

braces

Braces can play a critical role in perfecting your smile and shifting your teeth into their ideal position, but emergencies, like broken wires and brackets, can occur during your treatment. This can be an uncomfortable experience, but with help from an experienced orthodontist and tools like wax and rinsing, you can minimize discomfort and handle these orthodontic emergencies with ease. With guidance from the orthodontist, most issues that arise can be handled at home, without the need to come in for an extra appointment. 

At Rocky Point Orthodontics, we proudly provide Suffolk County patients the exceptional, personalized care they deserve. Therefore, if you find yourself with broken braces, you can trust us to guide you through the situation with our extensive knowledge and compassionate service. We treat our patients like family, working with no more than two patients at a time so you never feel rushed or overlooked. This patient-centered approach allows us to relieve your stress, resolve your issues, and get you back on track to a confident smile.

What Should You Do If Your Braces Break?

Metal braces are held together with wires and o-ties, which may break, become loose, or fall out. This can cause soreness and irritation, and you may be unsure how to proceed in these situations. With the following steps, you can address and resolve the issue promptly:

Carefully Assess

In some cases, you may feel soreness or discomfort without realizing you have a broken wire or loose bracket. Therefore, if you feel these symptoms, you should carefully assess your mouth and look for any wires poking out, broken or loose brackets, and signs of injury, so you can tell your orthodontist about the issue.

Contact Your Orthodontist

It can be challenging to determine if your situation is an orthodontic emergency, so calling or texting Rocky Point Orthodontics can help you determine the next steps to take. Dr. Miller will provide expert guidance over the phone to help you manage your broken wire or bracket. 

Use Wax

A broken wire or bracket has sharp edges that poke the soft tissue in your mouth and cause irritation. Using orthodontic wax over these areas can neutralize them and help you feel comfortable before your appointment.

Rinse Your Mouth

If you have a sore in your mouth from a broken wire or bracket, you can rinse with warm salt water or an antiseptic solution to soothe it, keep the area clean, and kill any bacteria to speed up the healing process.

Follow Orthodontist’s Instructions

At Rocky Point Orthodontics, we understand every patient is different. When you contact us about broken braces, we take the time to listen to your  unique situation and give you personalized instructions for what to do next. Acting quickly is crucial in orthodontic emergencies to prevent further complications that may prolong your treatment.

What Should You Do If You Are Hit In The Mouth?

Occasionally, accidents happen and it is important to act quickly to protect your teeth. If you are wearing braces and are hit in the mouth while playing sports or other activities, contact your primary dentist immediately. It will be necessary to have an exam and x-rays taken to check for damage to the teeth and jaws. After the general dentist has checked, then make an appointment with the orthodontist. It is often necessary to replace broken brackets and replace the wire, which may have bent. The great news is that braces often absorb most of the impact and save our patients from severe injuries. 

What Should You Do If Your Retainers Are Missing?

Lost retainers are one of the few true orthodontic emergencies. Contact Dr. Miller immediately if you cannot find your retainers. Teeth can shift in under 1 week while retainers are not being worn. It is important to avoid going any length of time without retainers to keep your smile looking its best. 

Have Your Braces Broken? Schedule an Appointment With the Seasoned Professionals at Rocky Point Orthodontics

Don’t let a broken bracket or wire derail your journey to a perfect smile. At Rocky Point Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, so we’re here to provide you with the expert care you need. Whether it’s a simple repair or a more complex issue, our team is ready to guide you through every step, from initial assessment to a swift and effective solution. With a focus on personalized care, we’ll ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track, minimizing discomfort and downtime.

When you choose Rocky Point Orthodontics, you’re choosing a team that puts your needs first. We treat every patient like family, offering attentive service and tailored advice to ensure your orthodontic experience is as smooth as possible. Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major concern — schedule an appointment with us today by calling or texting us at (631) 744-8400 or filling out our contact form. Let our seasoned professionals get you back to smiling confidently and comfortably in no time.