Emergency Care
OUR SMILES ORTHODONTICS TEAM CAN HELP YOU IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.
Here at Smiles Orthodontics, we work hard to provide quality orthodontic treatment and care to our patients. While emergency situations are rare, the Smiles Orthodontic team is here to provide you and your family with the assistance you need.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
If you break or loosen your appliances, contact us as soon as possible to speak with on of our staff. We do ask that you call to schedule an appointment first before coming to the office. This way, we can create time in the schedule to see you. If you have a check-up already scheduled, please let us know in advance that you will also need your appliances repaired. Below are some tips for what you can do at home to help ease the following orthodontic emergencies.
Loose Brackets
A bracket is a brace that is glued to the front of the tooth. A loose bracket is generally not an orthodontic emergency. If the loose bracket is sharp you may cover it with wax for comfort. Your situation may also require cutting a wire or sliding the bracket off the wire when our office is closed. If you need to cut a wire, use fingernail clippers. We highly recommend that you wash and sterilize the clippers in alcohol first. Then, we ask that you call our office the next business day to schedule an appointment to repair your appliances.
Loose Bands
A band is a brace that wraps around a tooth like a ring. A loose band that is not tightly glued to the teeth can damage the gums and promote tooth decay and should be removed or repaired. If the loose band is not painful, please leave a message and one of our Smiles staff will call to schedule a repair appointment.
By waiting until children become teenagers, you increase the chance for more invasive and costly treatment. With interceptive treatment, we can create more room for your child’s teeth to grow, reducing the need for tooth removal, creating better facial symmetry, and shortening treatment time in braces.
Wire Irritations
First, move the wire away from the area with a pencil eraser or a piece of cotton. If you’re unable to move the wire, cover the end with a piece of cotton or wax. If you are in pain, try cutting it with nail clippers that have been sterilized in alcohol. After these attempts, if you are still experiencing discomfort, please call our office to schedule an appointment.
If you think your child needs orthodontic treatment, contact our office today. We can create a healthier, more beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
By waiting until children become teenagers, you increase the chance for more invasive and costly treatment. With interceptive treatment, we can create more room for your child’s teeth to grow, reducing the need for tooth removal, creating better facial symmetry, and shortening treatment time in braces.
Lost Separators
A lost separator is not an emergency. If you cannot replace the separator, please call and leave a message and a Smiles Orthodontic team member will let you know if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
The first week after you get your braces, it is normal to feel pain, discomfort, and overall soreness. We suggest taking acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers as well as eating soft foods until your mouth adjusts to your new braces.
Injury to the Face, Teeth or Jaw
If you have been hit in the mouth, (hard enough that teeth or braces are loose), please call the emergency line 253-848-4537 and follow the prompts. A Smiles team member will instruct you on your next steps.