Emergency Orthodontic Care
 Braces are a common orthodontic treatment that thousands of dental patients opt for each year. Unfortunately, there are cases where the braces can cause problems in the mouth due to some sort of hardware failure. Loose wires and brackets can cause damage and pain to the gums and mouth. If left untreated, this can lead to infection or suboptimal treatment. In these cases, an emergency orthodontic visit may be necessary.No patient should have to suffer through the pain and damage that comes from insufficient hardware. At Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics, we believe that each patient should get the priority care they need regardless of the circumstances. This article will cover the basics of emergency orthodontic care and some of the common problems that can arise. Which Problems Warrant Emergency Orthodontic Care?Several issues may require emergency orthodontic care to correct. Here, we will cover each of those issues and what the typical solution is, from least severe to most severe. Ligature Falling Out of PlaceLigatures are a tiny elastic wire that holds the metal arch to the bracket. A loose or completely removed ligature will not be able to hold the arch to the bracket, which means that the affected tooth will not receive the necessary pressure to move it. If this occurs, you may be able to put the ligature back in place yourself with sterile metal pliers. Still, the best option is to notify us, and your orthodontist will determine what the best course of option is. DiscomfortDiscomfort is extremely common in patients with braces, so it is not necessarily an emergency. Still, if the discomfort does not subside after a period of time then you should contact us to schedule an appointment so we can determine what the issue may be that is causing the discomfort. Mouth SoresWhile braces are designed in such a way that they should never cause mouth sores, cuts and sores that occur in the mouth through other means can become irritated by the constant rubbing of braces. If this problem occurs, contact our office and we will determine if any special topical pain reliever is necessary. Irritation of Mouth LiningNew braces tend to rub against the lining of the mouth, and this can cause minor irritation. If this is a frequent problem, contact us to determine if a solution is necessary. We may offer a form of wax that can be placed on the braces, which can act as a lubricant between the braces and mouth lining to reduce irritation. Protruding WireIf a wire becomes loose, the pointed end of it may poke the gums or mouth lining and cause minor puncture wounds that result in bleeding and/or pain. If you encounter this problem, contact our team immediately to receive further instructions or to set up an emergency appointment. Loose BracketBrackets are the part of the braces that are adhered to the teeth. If this glue fails, a bracket may become loose or even fall off and might be accidentally swallowed. Once the bracket falls off, the tooth is no longer receiving the pressure necessary to adjust it to the proper position. Contact our office if this problem occurs to determine what the next step should be. ConclusionEmergencies happen, and when they do, our team at Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics is here to help. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to your orthodontic treatment, call us at 253-630-3331 to set up an emergency appointment. We will find an appropriate solution for you to relieve any pain you may be experiencing. |
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