Orthodontic emergencies

Gentle care, in your time of need

While actual orthodontic emergencies are rare, our goal is to make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible.

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If you experience a severe injury to your mouth, please seek treatment at the local emergency room. The emergency room physicians will stabilize your injury so that your general dentist can determine the best treatment option for you. Your dentist will treat the immediate problem and arrange for the tooth’s restoration. Damage to your mouth and teeth are dental emergencies, not orthodontic emergencies. Please contact your general dentist first if you experience one of the following issues. If he is unavailable, please go to the nearest emergency room to seek treatment.

Trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth
Infection or swelling of the gums, face or mouth
Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in the above-mentioned areas

After your dentist treats you, we can adjust your orthodontic treatment plan as needed. If you need additional advice, do not hesitate to call us! We can often advise you on what to do over the telephone.

Common orthodontic problems

From broken brackets to poking wires, Fredericksburg Orthodontics will provide the care you need.

As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (the archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. Try covering the offending wire with orthodontic wax. If the problem persists, you can try bending the wire away from your cheek with the eraser end of a pencil. You may also try to clip the poking wire with nail clippers or small wire clippers to make yourself comfortable.
This problem is often caused by eating hard chips, sticky candy or food, or playing with the braces. If the bracket is broken but still attached to the wire, you may cover it with orthodontic wax to make yourself comfortable, and we will see you at your next appointment. You may also remove the bracket from the wire and bring it with you to your next appointment. We rarely need to see a patient sooner for a broken bracket.
It is normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. If your mouth is achy, use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. If you are experiencing mouth sores, use a warm saltwater rinse twice a day: Mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse the area for 30 seconds. You may also place a warm washcloth or heating pad on the outside of the jaw for temporary relief.