Deciding to get braces or clear aligners is a big step toward improving your smile – how exciting! It’s normal to look forward to straighter, better-aligned teeth. At the same time, starting orthodontic treatment also means being aware of possible emergency issues that may come up. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can mean the difference between a temporary setback and a major delay in your teeth straightening progress.
At 1A Orthodontics Clinic Wandsworth, we provide urgent 24/7 emergency care to ensure any orthodontic emergencies are promptly treated. But first, understanding common issues and what to do can help minimize further damage, pain, and complications. Read on for helpful tips on dealing with key orthodontic emergencies if problems strike at home or while traveling abroad.
Loose Braces and Wires
Over time, braces brackets, or bands can come loose due to chewing harder foods or injury during sports and adventures. This may leave a sharp edge irritating your cheek or a wire poking out that feels uncomfortable. Try the following if a brace comes loose:
- Use clean tweezers or pliers to carefully push the wire back in place if it starts poking. Never cut wires since braces provide important stability.
- Cover irritation from pokey wires with orthodontic wax until you can be seen.
- Use a Q-tip to apply a small amount of orthodontic fixative paste if your brace is loose, which temporarily rebonds brackets.
- Avoid chewing harder foods on that side and book an ASAP repair appointment if your orthodontist doesn’t offer 24/7 emergency care.
Invisalign Aligner Issues
Clear aligner trays like Invisalign are removable by design, but you must wear them consistently to see results. That means not losing them! Handle issues with missing trays or broken Invisalign parts by:
- Search carefully if trays become lost – under furniture, in bedding, etc. Also, check places they were removed like restaurants.
- If aligners crack or aren’t fitting properly anymore with teeth shifting, inform your orthodontist immediately to get new impressions made and fresh trays created to stay on track.
Poking Wire Around the Mouth
One common scenario involves a wire from fixed orthodontic appliances unexpectedly coming loose inside the mouth when chewing food. This can feel strange and alarming but avoid pulling on the wire which may damage the braces. Instead:
- Use clean tweezers to carefully reposition the wire if accessible. Place orthodontic wax gently over it if sharp.
- If unable to reposition it, keep the area isolated from cheeks and gums then book an emergency visit promptly with your orthodontist or emergency dental clinic.
Rubbing and Irritation
At first, braces and aligner trays tend to feel foreign in your mouth. As your treatment progresses, the metal brackets and wires can sometimes excessively rub the cheeks and gums. Rather than removing anything yourself, try these tips:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover areas developing sore spots until they toughen up. This protective coating cushions rubbing.
- Rinse with warm salt water which helps relieve aggravation and swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed for discomfort.
- If severe rubbing, cuts or ulcers develop schedule an emergency appointment to have braces adjusted and trimmed by your orthodontist.
Major Tooth Pain
At times, shifting teeth during orthodontic treatment causes temporary discomfort. But major tooth pain suggests possible injury or damage requiring prompt attention. Don’t delay addressing symptoms like:
- Throbbing toothaches keeping you up at night or requiring OTC pain meds
- Lingering cold/hot sensitivity in one or more teeth
- Red, swollen, bleeding gums indicating infection
- Chipped teeth with nerve exposed
See an emergency dentist or orthodontist urgently if you develop any severe tooth pain, which jeopardizes results. Left untreated, major dental issues can mean tooth loss or failed treatment. Report the pain right away before problems spread.
What if Problems Arise While Traveling?
Before traveling, identify emergency dental clinics covered by your insurance at possible destinations as a precaution. The key is getting seen ASAP if anything happens like injured teeth or appliances breaking so it doesn’t stall progress.
Many dental networks have partnerships globally enabling affordable emergency care while away from home. If unsure where to get urgent orthodontic help, contact our 1A Orthodontics Clinic Wandsworth emergency line at 02089445545. Our friendly staff can assist with finding reputable nearby dentists for tourists in need while journeying domestically or overseas 24/7.
Seeking Emergency Assistance
No matter how well patients care for braces, accidents happen occasionally, leaving appliances damaged or teeth misaligned. Seeking prompt emergency orthodontic attention gets issues resolved before major treatment delays or setbacks occur. Know that 1A Orthodontics Clinic Wandsworth Orthodontists are available evenings, weekends, and holidays to treat urgent issues.
We also open at 7 am on weekdays, allowing patients to come by before school or work if problems arise. Whether aligner trays break while eating lunch or wires detach leaving brackets poking cheeks, our dedicated doctors can troubleshoot appliance breakages swiftly. We stock all replacement parts to conduct speedy repairs, getting braces and aligners back in working order for fast results.
Remain Calm – We Can Help Don’t panic if an orthodontic emergency occurs like lost retainers or rubbing causing mouth injuries. Our professional UK and international patients count on 1A Orthodontics Clinic Wandsworth to remain composed and focused, ready to assist you 365 days a year. We take pride in delivering urgent care quickly whenever orthodontic issues arise day/night.
With weekend and emergency assistance from our elite specialists, your teeth straightening treatment gets back on track promptly. We also offer helpful prevention tips to keep appliances intact and avoid dental injury. Contact our office today to learn about caring for braces and what to watch for to head off emergency scenarios before they happen when possible.
Recover Confidence in Your Smile
Our compassionate, skilled 1A Orthodontics Clinic Wandsworth doctors make patients our top priority. We realize you are choosing orthodontic treatment to boost confidence and love showing your smile freely. When dental disasters strike, that self-assurance can diminish if left untreated. By offering emergency assistance 24/7/365, we restore broken appliances fast, manage discomfort promptly, and recover your joyful smile in no time.
With our urgent treatment expertise and state-of-the-art office technologies, we get you back on course pursuing the straight, beautiful teeth you desire. Don’t let an orthodontic emergency become a barrier to achieving your dream smile. Contact 1A Orthodontics Clinic today for preventative insights and emergency service details so you stay smiling through each chapter of your teeth alignment journey ahead.
