Emergency Care

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

We know that sometimes unexpected things happen during treatment, and it’s important to know how to deal with them. If you run into trouble with your braces or other orthodontic appliances, don’t worry! There are generally two types of emergencies you might face:

Emergency care video at Elite Orthodontics in San Diego, CA

Emergencies with Your Orthodontic Gear

If something goes wrong with your braces or appliances, like if they break or bend, don’t hesitate to give us a call during our office hours. We need to schedule an appointment to get you fixed up, as we can’t handle emergencies without an appointment. Here are a few tips to manage some common issues until you can see us:

  • If a wire is poking you, try covering it with dental wax or gently pushing it under the main wire with something soft like a pencil eraser or the back of a spoon.
  • If a bracket or band gets loose, it’s usually okay to leave it until your appointment. Just give us a call, and we’ll find a time to fix it up.
  • If you have a wire that’s bothering you, you might be able to bend it back into place gently with a pencil eraser or clip it with nail clippers. But if it’s not feeling right, give us a call, and we’ll guide you on what to do.

Emergencies with Your Mouth or Teeth

If you have an accident and hurt your mouth or teeth, use ice right away to reduce swelling and call your family dentist as soon as you can. You might need an X-ray to see if there’s serious damage. If a tooth is knocked out, shifted, or cracked, see your dentist first – they have the right tools and numbing stuff to help. If your braces or appliances get damaged in the process, let us know, and we’ll arrange to fix them after your dentist says it’s okay, depending on how you’re feeling.

What to Do After Office Hours

If you have an emergency after hours and it’s causing you pain, don’t wait it out. Contact our office. We have instructions on who to reach out to for help when we’re closed.

Remember, we’re here to make sure your treatment goes smoothly, so never hesitate to reach out if you’re having an issue!