Emergency Care

While generally routine and predictable, orthodontic treatment can occasionally lead to unexpected challenges requiring immediate attention. Emergency orthodontic care in Decatur, GA, addresses urgent issues during treatment, such as broken brackets or wires, appliance discomfort, or mouth trauma. Our orthodontists in Decatur, GA, can provide immediate relief and stabilization to prevent further discomfort or damage.

Common emergency procedures include adjusting or replacing broken braces components, addressing pain with orthodontic wax or pain relief solutions, and assessing and managing oral injuries. Prompt attention for orthodontic emergencies helps maintain treatment progress and ensures patient comfort and safety throughout their orthodontic journey.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies 

Broken Brackets and Wires 

Broken brackets and wires are common issues that can occur during orthodontic treatment. These problems often arise from eating hard or sticky foods, experiencing physical trauma, or engaging in habits like nail biting or chewing on pens.

When a bracket breaks or a wire protrudes, it can cause discomfort and potentially hinder treatment. To manage this, patients can apply orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges, protecting the cheeks or gums from injury. It is essential to contact our orthodontist promptly to schedule a repair appointment and ensure that treatment stays on track. Contact us today to learn more.

What to Do:  

• Identify the broken bracket or wire. 

• Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax to protect cheeks and gums. 

• Stick to soft foods to prevent further damage. 

• Schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible. 

Protruding or Poking Wires 

As teeth move into their new positions, wires can sometimes shift and protrude, irritating the mouth's soft tissues. This can result in pain or sores on the inner cheeks or gums. Patients can use a clean pencil eraser or a cotton swab to push the wire back into place to alleviate discomfort gently. Orthodontic wax can also provide temporary relief by covering the sharp end of the wire. However, seeking a professional adjustment from our orthodontist is crucial to resolve the issue permanently. 

What to Do: 

• Push the wire back into place using a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab. 

• Cover the protruding wire with orthodontic wax to alleviate irritation. 

• Soothe irritated areas by rinsing with a warm saltwater solution. 

• Arrange for a professional adjustment. 

Mouth Sores or Irritations 

During the initial adjustment period, braces can irritate the cheeks, lips, and tongue, leading to sores or ulcers. This discomfort can be managed by rinsing with a warm saltwater solution to soothe the irritation. Over-the-counter topical treatments and orthodontic wax can also provide relief.

Our orthodontist should evaluate persistent or severe sores to determine if any adjustments to the braces are needed to prevent further irritation. 

What to Do: 

• Use a warm saltwater solution to rinse the mouth and reduce irritation. 

• Use over-the-counter gels or ointments to alleviate pain and promote healing. 

• Cover any parts of the braces irritating the soft tissues with orthodontic wax.

• If sores persist or worsen, contact our orthodontist for further evaluation. 

Trauma or Injury to the Mouth 

Accidents or sports injuries can cause significant damage to braces and the mouth. Symptoms may include bleeding, severe pain, broken appliances, or damaged teeth. In such cases, immediate professional medical evaluation is necessary.

Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling, and if teeth are dislodged or broken, emergency dental care should be sought. Wearing a mouthguard to protect the mouth during physical activities can help prevent such injuries. 

What to Do: 

• Check for broken appliances, bleeding, or damaged teeth. 

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. 

• If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. 

• For significant injuries, visit an emergency orthodontist.

Food Caught Between Teeth 

Eating certain foods can result in particles getting stuck between the teeth and braces, causing discomfort or a feeling of pressure. This common issue can be resolved using dental floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser to remove the food particles. Regular oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent this issue and ensure oral health during orthodontic treatment. 

Things to Do: 

• Gently use dental floss to dislodge the food particles. 

• An interdental brush or a water flosser can help remove stubborn food particles. 

• Rinse with water or mouthwash to help clear out remaining debris. 

• Regular brushing and flossing can prevent food from getting stuck in the future. 

Preventive Measures

• Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily with orthodontic floss or floss threaders to clean between the teeth and around the braces, removing plaque and food particles that can lead to complications.
• Avoiding hard and sticky foods is crucial to preventing damage to braces. Hard foods like nuts and crunchy snacks can break brackets or bend wires, while sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum can get stuck in braces and be difficult to remove, potentially causing discomfort or damage.
• Modifying your eating habits by cutting food into smaller, manageable pieces reduces the risk of damaging braces. Chew carefully and avoid biting directly into hard foods to prevent the brackets from loosening or the wires from bending out of place.
• Protect your braces by wearing a mouthguard specifically designed for orthodontic patients during physical activities. This precaution helps prevent injuries to your teeth and braces from accidental impacts during sports or recreational activities.
• Regularly attending scheduled orthodontic check-ups is vital. These appointments allow our orthodontist to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to your braces, and identify any potential issues early on before they develop into emergencies.

Orthodontic emergencies can disrupt your treatment and cause discomfort. For personalized advice and emergency orthodontic care, visit CBW Orthodontics at 2855 Candler Road, Suite #12, Decatur, GA 30034, or call (404) 243-3210.