Kingstowne Orthodontic Emergencies

Care When You Need it Most

For Orthodontic Emergencies

Getting braces is a great way to straighten your teeth, improve your oral health, and get a beautiful smile. However, accidents happen and orthodontic emergencies involving damaged braces can be stressful and painful. That’s why Dr. Bob and Dr. Suzanne and the team at Kingstowne Dental Specialists offer emergency care for orthodontic patients. Call us now to get help right away!

Young girl getting braces examined by orthodontist

Recognizing Emergencies

What Is An Orthodontic Emergency?

An orthodontic emergency is any unexpected issue that has to do with your braces or other orthodontic treatment. For example, if you dislodge one of your brackets when eating a piece of hard food, this is an emergency. If you lose one or more of your bands from your braces, this is also an emergency.

Getting help for an orthodontic emergency is important for keeping your treatment on track. If you don’t get your braces repaired right away, your teeth may not shift properly, and your treatment can fall behind.

Be Prepared

How to Handle a Lost Separator or Spacer

Spacers are usually worn before your braces are placed to shift your molars or other teeth so that molar bands can be applied to hold your braces in place. These spacers are supposed to stay in place until Dr. Bob and Dr. Suzanne removes them, but they may fall out on their own if you pick at them or eat sticky foods.

If you lose a separator or spacer, give Kingstowne Dental Specialists a call. You will likely need to come in to have it replaced, and your treatment may need to be delayed if you lose a spacer prematurely.

Kingstown resident with braces receiving exam

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

A Loose Bracket Or Band

When a patient experiences a loose orthodontic bracket, our office is equipped to provide prompt emergency care. Upon arrival, our skilled staff will assess the situation and determine whether the bracket can be temporarily reattached or if it needs to be completely replaced. Using specialized tools and techniques, our orthodontist will carefully secure the bracket or apply a new one, ensuring proper alignment and comfort. We'll also provide guidance on how to prevent future emergencies and schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.

How to Handle

A Loose Wire

The wires in your braces should never feel loose. If they feel loose, this means they do not have the required tension to move your teeth. If this happens, it could indicate that your wire was dislodged or damaged, so come into Kingstowne Dental Specialists for an emergency appointment with Dr. Bob and Dr. Suzanne right away.

What To Do About

A Poking Wire

If you have a wire that is poking and irritating your cheek, you can try bending it away from your mouth with a toothpick or tweezers. If this doesn’t work, you can use a blob of orthodontic wax on the end of the wire to prevent it from poking you.

If your wire continues to poke and irritate your cheek and causes a sore, come see Dr. Bob and Dr. Suzanne. He can strategically bend or trim the wire to relieve your discomfort. Do not try to cut the wire on your own!

Get a Straighter Smile, Fast