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How to Prepare for an Ortho Emergency

Live Life Smiling

ortho-emergency braces
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • November 18, 2020

 

WHAT IS YOUR orthodontic emergency plan? It’s not as exciting as a zombie plan, granted, but everyone with braces should be prepared in case something goes wrong with their appliance in between visits, because some of these could lead to a delay in Braces Off Day if they aren’t addressed quickly!

Minor Orthodontic Problems

The most common setbacks braces-wearers may experience are things like a bracket coming loose or breaking, poking wires, and toothaches. The solutions for these are pretty straightforward:

  • For a broken bracket: schedule a repair appointment. Don’t just leave it until the next regular appointment, because that can throw off your treatment schedule.
  • For a poking wire: you may be able to fix this one on your own. Sometimes it’s possible to gently push the poking part in to get it out of the way using a pencil eraser. Orthodontic wax can also help. Give us a call if these solutions aren’t helping. Sometimes we just need to clip the end of the wire a little.
  • For toothaches and soreness: this is usually temporary, so eat soft foods and swish warm saltwater. You can manage discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers, but contact us if it doesn’t go away within a couple days of an adjustment or if it gets worse.

Major Orthodontic Emergencies (Are Rare)

Most of the time, a patient will never have to deal with a serious emergency during their orthodontic treatment, but preparation is still a good idea. Severe pain in the mouth or face, swollen or infected gums or major swelling around the face, or a traumatic injury to the mouth, teeth, or face could all mean a serious problem.

Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment if you experience anything like this, but go to the emergency room first if the problem affects more than just your appliance. When you’re out of danger, call us so that we can address the problems with your braces.

We Can Help You Refine Your Emergency Plan

If you have any questions about what else you can do to protect your braces in the event of an emergency (major or minor), we’re happy to answer them. We’re also happy to supply extra rubber bands and orthodontic wax so that you have enough on hand at all times.

We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Top image by Flickr user Don LaVange used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

READ more
Jane E.
It isn't always easy to find providers that are especially patient and kind to patients with special needs. This group ALWAYS go out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The staff is wonderful! We are extremely blessed to have the orthodontic care we need from this business.
Jane E.
It isn't always easy to find providers that are especially patient and kind to patients with special needs. This group ALWAYS go out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The staff is wonderful! We are extremely blessed to have the orthodontic care we need from this business.
Legacy S.
Today at Drs Holmes and Palmer my Granddaughter ,Legacy Spurlock , had her braces put on.
I am so happy we Chose them. Not only was the Young lady, putting the braces on very nice That made Legacyy feel very comfortable and answered every question that she asked, and she asked a lot.
We are home now. She doesn’t need anything for pain, She is very proud of her Yes braces and her experience she had.
Thank you to every one that made her experience. One she will always remember.
Legacy S.
Today at Drs Holmes and Palmer my Granddaughter ,Legacy Spurlock , had her braces put on.
I am so happy we Chose them. Not only was the Young lady, putting the braces on very nice That made Legacyy feel very comfortable and answered every question that she asked, and she asked a lot.
We are home now. She doesn’t need anything for pain, She is very proud of her Yes braces and her experience she had.
Thank you to every one that made her experience. One she will always remember.
Staci A.
Very friendly and experienced. Awesome with kids! My son, Evan is 9 and was a little nervous for his first orthodontist consult appointment. They worked well showing and explaining everything they were getting ready to do. Even let him “help” some!! He has a follow up in 6 months to see if it’s time for his braces then. He’s not as worried about his next appointment now. Highly recommend!! Thank you!
Staci A.
Very friendly and experienced. Awesome with kids! My son, Evan is 9 and was a little nervous for his first orthodontist consult appointment. They worked well showing and explaining everything they were getting ready to do. Even let him “help” some!! He has a follow up in 6 months to see if it’s time for his braces then. He’s not as worried about his next appointment now. Highly recommend!! Thank you!
Jessie P.
They are very nice and friendly and such wonderful place would definitely recommend.
Jessie P.
They are very nice and friendly and such wonderful place would definitely recommend.
Amanda “ManDee” T.
This Orthodontist and the employees are amazing. They're very patient and kind with the young patients... I highly recommend!!!!
Amanda “ManDee” T.
This Orthodontist and the employees are amazing. They're very patient and kind with the young patients... I highly recommend!!!!
kristen W.
This is our first experience with orthodontics and we are very pleased with the service and friendliness of staff! They are so helpful and welcoming! Definitely recommend to my friends and family!
kristen W.
This is our first experience with orthodontics and we are very pleased with the service and friendliness of staff! They are so helpful and welcoming! Definitely recommend to my friends and family!
Andrea H.
Great customer service as always! The ladies at the front desk are always welcoming and very friendly. We appreciate the promptness of getting our daughter in for an emergency visit!
Andrea H.
Great customer service as always! The ladies at the front desk are always welcoming and very friendly. We appreciate the promptness of getting our daughter in for an emergency visit!
Emily B.
They are awesome with my girl and offer brace bucks! Great reinforcement and amazing people! 😊
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