Emergency Orthodontic Care in Bellevue, WA
Sometimes, unexpected issues can arise during orthodontic treatment. Whether it’s an injury or a problem with your orthodontic appliances, here are some helpful tips to manage the situation until you can visit our office.
Types of Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories:
Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
In the event of a direct injury to your mouth or teeth:
- First Steps: Apply ice to the affected area immediately to reduce swelling.
- Contact Your Dentist: Reach out to your regular dentist as soon as possible, as they may need to take x-rays to assess the extent of the injury.
- Notify Our Office: Call us to inform us of the situation. If your orthodontic appliances are displaced or damaged, we can adjust or replace them once your general dentist has addressed the injury.
For severe injuries, such as a tooth being displaced, knocked out, or fractured, it’s best to see your family dentist first. We may not have the necessary materials or anesthesia to treat these injuries, but we can assist with any necessary adjustments to your appliances afterward.
Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Occasionally, braces or other orthodontic appliances may become loose or damaged. Here’s how to handle common issues:
- Loose Bands or Brackets: These can usually stay in place until you visit our office. Call us during patient hours to schedule a repair appointment.
- Poking or Broken Wires: Use a pencil eraser to bend the wire away from soft tissues or trim it carefully with nail clippers if needed. Cover the wire with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum for comfort, and call our office if further assistance is required.
- Irritating Tie Wires: Cover the tie wire with wax or sugarless gum, or gently push it under the archwire using a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
If you already have a scheduled adjustment appointment, inform us in advance about the issue so we can allocate enough time to address it during your visit.
After Office Hours
If you experience an orthodontic emergency causing pain after hours, please contact our office and follow the prompts for emergencies. Either the doctor or clinical technician on call will assist you.
