Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth; it’s about building confidence, creating healthy habits, and transforming smiles one step at a time. But as with any journey, unexpected bumps can happen. A loose wire, a broken bracket, or sudden pain can leave you feeling anxious, unsure, and wondering what to do next.
At Emery Village Dental in North York, we understand that orthodontic emergencies aren’t just inconvenient; they’re emotional, too! Whether it’s your child nervously holding their cheek or you're experiencing discomfort yourself, we’re here to respond with compassion, clarity, and expert care.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is ready to help you navigate those stressful moments. We will offer guidance and same-day support whenever possible and do whatever is necessary to get your smile back on track.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Numerous orthodontic emergencies require prompt attention, so if you experience any of the following, here’s what you can do to alleviate your discomfort and keep your oral health and orthodontic treatment plan intact:
Broken Brackets or Bands: A Common Concern
One of the most common orthodontic concerns is broken brackets or bands. If this happens to you and the band or wire is still attached, it’s best to leave it alone and cover it with orthodontic wax. This can help with irritation. Also, avoid hard, sticky foods; they could cause further damage.
Loose or Poking Wires: Safe Temporary Solutions
Another orthodontic emergency we frequently see in our dental office is either loose or poking wires; this can be painful and irritating. A safe way to temporarily fix this issue is to use a cotton swab or a clean pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place. You should avoid cutting the wire, but if it’s poking your cheek or gum, place orthodontic wax over the sharp end until you can reach us.
Lost Separators or Spacers: What You Need to Know
It’s not unusual for your separators to come out, especially if you’re close to your next orthodontic checkup. Please don’t try to put them back in yourself when this happens. Contact our friendly dental team, and they can determine whether you need to make an emergency visit or if it can wait until your next appointment.
Mouth Sores and Irritations: Relief and Prevention
When you wear braces, you may experience mouth sores from time to time. If this happens, try rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to soothe the area. Just mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. You can also use orthodontic wax or topical over-the-counter products for pain relief.
Severe Orthodontic Pain: When to Seek Urgent Care
Although some pain or discomfort is normal after an orthodontic adjustment, severe or sharp pain could indicate something is wrong. If you experience severe pain that doesn’t subside when you take over-the-counter pain medication, you should contact our dental office immediately. You can also eat softer foods and try cold compresses to help with the pain.
Trauma to the Mouth with Braces: Handling Impact Injuries
If you sustain a serious mouth injury, such as a knocked-out tooth, it’s essential to call us immediately. Without touching the tooth’s roots, try to place it back in its socket. If that doesn’t work, store it inside your cheek until you reach our dental office. For severe bleeding, you should go to the nearest emergency room. If your braces are embedded in your cheek or gums, don’t try to fix them yourself. Contact us right away!
Preventing Orthodontic Issues
Although certain orthodontic concerns are beyond your control, there are some things you can do to prevent some of them from happening.
Here are some prevention tips for you:
- Avoid sticky foods such as caramel, gummy candies, and taffy.
- Avoid hard foods such as nuts, ice, hard candy, and popcorn.
- Avoid raw carrots, corn on the cob, and apples.
- Avoid hard breads such as bagels and pizza crust.
Proper Oral Hygiene to Minimize Irritations
Practicing good oral hygiene while wearing braces is essential to avoid gum irritation and swollen tissues.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, make sure to:
- Brush your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth each day with a floss threader or orthodontic flosser.
- Use a water flosser to wash out debris from between your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
- Use orthodontic wax on your brackets and wires.
- Drink plenty of water to wash away food particles and keep your mouth clean.
- Make regular visits to your North York dentist.
Having an Orthodontic Emergency in North York, ON?
If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, our experienced dental team is ready to assist you. We never want you to suffer unnecessarily, so if you aren’t sure whether you need an appointment, you can always call us! At Emery Village Dental, we will do everything we can to alleviate your discomfort and get you back to your busy day.
We welcome your call at (437) 900-8266 to arrange an appointment with us.
