Types of Orthodontic Emergencies
An orthodontic emergency is an urgent issue requiring immediate care from an orthodontist. If you wear aligners or braces and have sudden or unusual concerning symptoms, you may need emergency care.
Examples of orthodontic emergencies include:
Extreme Mouth, Teeth, or Facial Pain
Intense pain can indicate an injury, infection, or another serious issue. Prolonged or worsening symptoms should be checked to determine the cause and start treatment.
Swollen, Bleeding, or Infected Gums or Teeth
Oral infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and poor dental hygiene. They can potentially become serious and should be treated in a timely manner.
Missing, Broken, or Shifted Teeth
Dental trauma to the mouth and face can force teeth out of position. If a tooth is missing, hold the enamel end of the tooth and place it back into the socket. Hold it in place with gauze and apply an ice pack.
If it cannot be placed into the socket, put it in a cup of saline solution or milk (not water) until the emergency dentist can see you. In some cases, the tooth can be reimplanted if treated quickly.
Orthodontists at Thrive Dental treat these and other injuries, while also replacing broken brackets and wires to bring teeth back into alignment.
True Emergencies Vs. Minor Orthodontic Problems
It can be hard to tell if you need to see an emergency orthodontist. For example, minor appliance issues like loose or broken wires or brackets may not necessarily constitute an emergency, but you shouldn’t wait too long for repairs.
Mouth sores or ulcers are also unpleasant but can generally be treated at home. Applying orthodontic wax to affected areas can provide relief.
If you are missing rubber bands, have food stuck in your braces, or have a broken retainer, call your local Thrive Dental office to schedule a non-emergency visit at your earliest convenience.
What To Do If You Have an Orthodontic Emergency
Don’t hesitate to call us if you don’t know whether your issue can or cannot wait. We are here to guide and support you through orthodontic treatment and assist you when the unexpected happens.
In the event of an emergency, contact our office first. If we are unavailable and you have a severe dental injury or excessive pain, bleeding, or swelling, go to your nearest urgent care center or emergency room for assistance.
When Life Gets Unpredictable, Thrive Dental & Orthodontics Is Here to Help
Whether you have an Invisalign emergency or a braces emergency, do not worry. Thrive Dental is here and ready to help you. We offer emergency orthodontics and emergency dentistry for kids and adults.
For urgent dental care, call your nearest location. We’ll arrange to see you as soon as possible for dental emergencies.
For non-emergencies, book an appointment online. We have offices in Allen, Frisco, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas, Texas to assist you.
