Our Emergency Orthodontist at Your Service
At Smiles Orthodontics, we take pride in being your dedicated partners in orthodontic care, ready to assist you when emergencies arise. We understand that orthodontic issues can sometimes require immediate attention, and we’re here to provide the prompt care you need.
Call Us at + 1-253-848-4537 in case of an orthodontic emergency, and we’ll set up an appointment right away.
Emergency Care When You Need It
If you experience a broken or loosened orthodontic appliance, please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. Our emergency orthodontist Puyallup & Graham team at Smiles Orthodontics is here to assist you promptly. We kindly request that you schedule an appointment by calling ahead, allowing us to accommodate your needs efficiently.
If you already have a scheduled visit, notifying us in advance of your appliance repair requirement helps us prepare accordingly. While awaiting your appointment, we’ll provide you with useful tips for managing common orthodontic emergencies at home, ensuring your comfort and treatment continuity remain our top priorities.
What is an Orthodontic Emergency?
At Smiles Orthodontics, we believe it’s crucial for our patients to understand what qualifies as an orthodontic emergency and when regular dental issues can wait. Knowing the difference can help you take the right action and ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track.
Orthodontic emergencies involve situations that require immediate attention from our orthodontic team. While not all dental discomfort is an emergency, certain issues related to your orthodontic treatment should be addressed promptly to prevent complications.
Normal Dental Issues vs. Orthodontic Emergencies
Normal Dental Issues
These are problems that can typically wait until your next dental appointment or regular business hours. They include routine check-ups, cleanings, and minor dental discomfort that doesn’t relate directly to your braces or orthodontic appliances.
Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies are situations that, if left unattended, could result in discomfort, complications, or disruptions to your treatment. These may include:
- Broken or Loose Braces: If a bracket, band, or wire becomes loose or breaks, it’s considered an orthodontic emergency. Avoid touching the loose piece and contact us immediately.
- Discomfort from Orthodontic Appliances: While some discomfort is normal after adjustments, severe or persistent pain should not be ignored. It could signal an issue with your braces or appliances.
- Lost Separators: Though not an emergency, lost separators should be addressed promptly. Contact us for guidance on replacements.
- Trauma or Injury: Any injury to your face, teeth, or mouth that affects your orthodontic treatment requires immediate attention.
- Swelling or Infection: Signs of infection, swollen gums, or unusual swelling in the mouth should not be ignored. They can be serious orthodontic emergencies.
- Severe Pain: If you experience severe pain related to your braces or appliances, it’s important to seek assistance right away.
Loose Brackets
A bracket is a small brace that is securely bonded to the front of your tooth, playing a crucial role in your orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, due to various factors, a bracket may become loose or detached from the tooth’s surface. While this may not typically warrant immediate panic, it’s essential to address it promptly to prevent any discomfort or delays in your treatment progress.
What to Do If You Have a Loose Bracket
- Evaluate the Situation: Begin by examining the loose bracket. If it’s causing irritation or feels sharp, you can temporarily alleviate the discomfort by covering it with orthodontic wax, which we can provide you. This helps protect your mouth from any potential irritation caused by the loose bracket.
- Consider Wire Adjustments: In some cases, a loose bracket may be associated with the wire connecting it to neighboring brackets. If the wire is causing discomfort or plays a role in the bracket’s issue, you may carefully adjust it using sterilized nail clippers. We recommend washing and sterilizing the clippers with alcohol before use.
- Contact Us for Assistance: While these temporary measures can provide relief, it’s important to reach out to Smiles Orthodontics to schedule an appointment for bracket repair during regular business hours. Our orthodontic team will ensure the bracket is repositioned correctly, allowing your treatment to proceed smoothly.
Wire Irritations
The wires in your braces play a crucial role in moving your teeth into their desired positions. Occasionally, these wires may shift or poke, leading to irritation or discomfort in your mouth. While this discomfort is usually manageable, it’s essential to know how to address it effectively.
What to Do If You Experience Wire Irritations
- Immediate Action: If you notice a wire poking or causing discomfort, you can take immediate action to alleviate the irritation. Use a clean pencil eraser or a small piece of cotton to gently move the wire away from the affected area.
- Cover the Wire: If you’re unable to reposition the wire or if it continues to cause discomfort, you can temporarily cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax or a small piece of cotton to prevent it from irritating your cheeks or tongue.
- Sterilized Wire Cutting: In cases where the wire is causing severe pain and cannot be managed with the above methods, you may carefully cut the wire using nail clippers that have been sterilized with alcohol. However, this should only be done as a last resort, and we recommend contacting us to schedule an appointment for professional assistance.
- Contact Smiles Orthodontics: If you’ve attempted the above steps and continue to experience discomfort, please don’t hesitate to contact Smiles Orthodontics. Our team will assess your situation and provide guidance on the next steps, ensuring your comfort and treatment progress.
Lost Separators
Separators are small rubber bands or rings used to create space between your teeth before certain orthodontic procedures. They play a vital role in preparing your teeth for braces or other appliances. On occasion, separators may come loose or fall out, requiring attention.
What to Do If You Lose a Separator
- Evaluate the Situation: If you notice that a separator has come loose or fallen out, it’s essential to assess the situation. While it may not cause immediate discomfort, addressing it is necessary to maintain the progress of your orthodontic treatment.
- Contact Smiles Orthodontics: Reach out to our team at Smiles Orthodontics to inform us of the lost separator. Our knowledgeable staff will assess your situation and provide guidance on whether the separator needs to be replaced or if it can be addressed during your next scheduled appointment.
- Avoid Self-Placement: Please refrain from attempting to replace the lost separator on your own. Our team is trained to handle these situations accurately, ensuring your treatment proceeds smoothly.
Managing Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
At Smiles Orthodontics, we prioritize your comfort throughout your orthodontic journey. It’s natural to experience some level of discomfort, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Here are some valuable insights on managing and alleviating the common discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment, ensuring a smoother transition to your new smile.
Understanding Orthodontic Discomfort
The first week after getting your braces can be accompanied by various forms of discomfort, including soreness and overall mouth sensitivity. This discomfort is a normal part of the adjustment process as your teeth begin their journey towards alignment. It typically subsides over time as your mouth adapts to the braces.
Managing Orthodontic Discomfort
- Pain Relief: To ease discomfort, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or other non-aspirin options as directed. These can help manage soreness during the initial stages of your treatment.
- Soft Diet: Opt for soft foods during the first few days after getting braces. This minimizes the risk of further irritation and allows your mouth to adjust more comfortably.
- Rinsing: Rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with a pinch of salt to soothe any oral irritation.
- Orthodontic Wax: If you experience irritation from braces, applying orthodontic wax to any sharp or rough spots can provide relief by creating a protective barrier between the braces and your cheeks or lips.
- Follow Orthodontic Instructions: Follow any specific care instructions provided by our team to ensure the best results and minimize discomfort.
While the initial adjustment period may come with some discomfort, rest assured that it’s temporary and a sign that your orthodontic treatment is progressing.