Over the course of treatment patients sometimes get injured or have an emergency medical issue. Typically, we see two types of injuries and emergencies with our patients; emergencies related to orthodontics and injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
Appliances may get broken or bend during treatment. If you notice loose bands or brackets, or broken or painfully poking wires, call our office. We do not allow walk-ins for emergencies, so please schedule the earliest appointment available to see us and get your appliance fixed.
In the meantime, here are some helpful hints to remedy some of the problems you may encounter until our office can see you. If a wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with orthodontic wax or tuck it back into place with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip. A loose arch wire can also be carefully clipped with nail clippers. A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen in our office. Call our office and if you’re calling after hours; leave a message, when you notice a loose band or bracket. We will schedule you to reattach the loose appliance if indicated.
Watch the video below that explains how to handle an orthodontic emergency.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
If your emergency is an injury to your mouth or teeth rather than an emergency with your orthodontic appliance, you should immediately contact your dentist. Your dentist may need an x-ray of the involved tooth or teeth to determine the extent of the injury. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, we may not have the necessary materials or anesthesia required to treat the injuries.
After Office Hours
If an orthodontic emergency arises where the patient is in pain after our normal office hours, please call 808-941-5241 and listen to the prompts to get directed to emergency care.
