Orthodontic emergencies can occur at any time and usually require immediate attention. In Long Beach, California, you have access to skilled orthodontists who are ready and able to provide prompt and effective emergency care. Orthodontic emergency services are one of the orthodontic services we provide to the public in Long Beach.
Understanding Orthodontic Emergencies
An orthodontic emergency is a situation that demands immediate attention due to severe discomfort or potential harm to your oral health. This could include broken wires or brackets on braces. This may cause irritation or injury inside the mouth if not addressed promptly. Other examples of orthodontic emergencies include appliances poking or irritating the gums or teeth, causing pain and discomfort. You may also experience intense localized pain after an adjustment session.
What To Do During an Orthodontic Emergency?
If you find yourself facing such an issue in Long Beach, it’s essential first to stay calm. Then, contact our office as soon as possible. Our team will make every effort to schedule same-day appointments for urgent cases. In the case of broken braces, they must be attended to without delay. If one or more brackets become loose, contacting your orthodontist should be your priority. They will need to re-fit your braces.
Severe pain isn’t common during treatment with aligners. Mild discomfort is normal but not shooting pains. Should you begin to feel intense pain, reach out for professional help right away.
When you wear braces, you need to avoid certain foods like popcorn, hard candies, gum, and starch-rich food. This can help you lower your risk of tooth decay and items getting stuck in your braces. Stuck items can cause discomfort and damage to your braces. If you can’t remove objects lodged within your braces using routine oral hygiene practices or a dental pick, do not hesitate to contact our office. You should never attempt to use sharp objects to remove things from your braces.
When experiencing an orthodontic emergency in Long Beach, CA, expect attentive, prompt, and compassionate care from our dedicated team. We are committed to helping patients maintain their aligners and continue treatment with the little discomfort possible.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Orthodontic treatment helps straighten teeth and improve your smile, but sometimes problems can happen. Braces and aligners are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. If something goes wrong, it’s important to know what to do so you can stay safe and keep your treatment on track.
1. Broken Brackets or Bands
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic squares bonded to each tooth. If one becomes loose or breaks off, it can delay your treatment if not repaired.
What to do:
- If the bracket is still attached to the wire and not causing discomfort, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax.
- If it’s completely detached, keep it in a small bag and bring it to your orthodontist.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods until the issue is fixed.
2. Poking Wires
Wires that extend beyond the last bracket can irritate your cheeks or gums. This often happens as your teeth begin to shift and the archwire moves.
What to do:
- Apply orthodontic wax over the wire to protect your cheek.
- Use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position.
3. Loose Wires
A wire can come loose from a bracket or tube, especially after eating something crunchy or sticky.
What to do:
- Try to guide the wire back into place with tweezers.
- Cover any sharp ends with wax.
- Call us to schedule a repair.
4. Lost Aligners or Retainers
Losing a clear aligner or retainer can halt your progress or cause teeth to shift.
What to do:
- Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. You may be advised to move to the next set of aligners or wear the previous one until replacements arrive.
- Always keep your last set of aligners as a backup.
5. Mouth Sores or Irritation
Braces can rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, causing sores or irritation, especially when you’re newly adjusting to them.
What to do:
- Use orthodontic wax to cushion areas that are irritating you.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce soreness and promote healing.
- Over-the-counter topical anesthetics like Orajel can help relieve pain.
6. Jaw Pain or Discomfort
Mild jaw discomfort is common, especially after adjustments. However, severe or persistent pain could indicate a more serious issue.
What to do:
- Use over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Apply a warm compress to the jaw.
- Contact us if the pain worsens or doesn’t improve.
7. Swallowed or Aspirated Appliances
If you accidentally swallow a piece of your braces, such as a bracket or rubber band, don’t panic.
What to do:
- If you swallowed it and feel fine, it will likely pass through your system naturally.
- If you’re coughing, choking, or having trouble breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Orthodontic Treatment Options in Long Beach, CA
In addition to emergency care, our orthodontists in Long Beach also offer a variety of orthodontic treatments. These include traditional, metal, or ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Additionally, we offer these treatments for both children and adults. The choice of treatment depends on your unique needs. Of course, our orthodontist will evaluate your bite and oral health.
Invisalign Clear Braces: Invisalign is a discreet orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to shift your teeth into place gradually. We typically use these for minor alignment issues. Also, they work faster than traditional braces.
Metal or Ceramic Braces: These consist of brackets attached to each tooth with a wire connecting them. They are effective for treating minor to severe tooth misalignment issues.
Regardless of the type of emergency you may encounter, rest assured knowing there are competent professionals ready to provide the necessary assistance within the Long Beach area. We will ensure your journey toward the perfect smile with minimal disruption and discomfort.