Emergency Care
Aurora, CO
Knowing what to do in an emergency is crucial because mouth and tooth injuries can occur at any time. At Garlock Orthodontics, we’re ready to assist if you have an orthodontic emergency.
In the event of an orthodontic emergency, you can rely on our knowledge and the most up-to-date technology from our practice. Call us right away at (303) 627-6212 if you believe you have an orthodontic emergency.
What To Do In An Orthodontic Emergency
While orthodontic emergencies are rare, they do happen. Having an emergency plan in place is critical if you’re wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. A loose band or bracket is the most common orthodontic emergency. If this happens, it’s best to avoid handling the errant part to prevent further damage. If you can, use a cotton swab to gently nudge the piece back into place.
Please keep the bracket or band that has come off and bring it with you to your next appointment. While wearing braces, you may also feel some discomfort or pain. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen for any discomfort. Gargle warm salt water to soothe ulcers and discomfort in your mouth. If you are experiencing more severe discomfort, you should make an appointment with Dr. Garlock straight away.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Many people experience anxiety as a result of an orthodontic emergency. They may require prompt, professional intervention depending on their severity. Among the most prevalent orthodontic emergencies are:
- Loose Brackets – Brackets are loosely fastened to teeth using a specific glue. When this glue fails, a bracket might become loose or even dislodged from the tooth. A loose bracket might reduce the effectiveness of the entire appliance and hurt your gums.
- Shifted Wire – A misplaced wire occurs when the wire that runs along your teeth becomes displaced. This can be painful and potentially result in cuts or scrapes on your gums.
- Broken Bracket, Band, or Wire – Although modern braces are quite robust, accidents may occur. When one of the brackets that hold your wire in place becomes separated from your tooth, you have a broken bracket. This can also create discomfort and make eating and talking difficult.
- General Soreness – It’s typical to have some general soreness in your mouth and tenderness to biting pressures when you first acquire your braces. This normally lasts three to five days and can be alleviated by gargling with a warm saltwater solution or taking over-the-counter pain medication. If the discomfort persists, please call us so that we can assess the problem. Meanwhile, maintain your usual oral hygiene practice and avoid eating hard or chewy items that may irritate your mouth worse.