Dr. Gary and Dr. Steve want to make sure our patients receive all the care they require to achieve their goals of a beautiful and healthy smile. Unfortunately, there are some situations that come unexpectedly and could result in damage to your orthodontic appliance or unwanted delays. Naturally, we want to help avoid all these, but if you require help, you can count on us to remedy the situation.
Here Are Some of the Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Patients who start their orthodontic care have to be careful and avoid some situations that could damage their appliances. Granted, if one of those situations does arise, you’ll need the help of a professional team to get a permanent solution that can ensure you won’t suffer any additional delays or get your appliance repaired. Check out below what are some of the common cases you can classify as a true orthodontic emergency in Fairfield, and get in touch with our Fairfield orthodontics to get the help you require.
Loose Brackets
We have to warn all patients that when they wear traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces in Fairfield, they also have to make considerable changes to their dietary habits and prevent damage to their appliances. Unfortunately, some food pieces that break off when you have hard foods, such as hard taco shells or popcorn, can peel away the brackets, no matter how strong the bonding agent we use. Get in touch with us to relocate the piece and ensure everything is going well.
Poking Wires
Another common situation is having the ends of an archwire become loose and poke directly into your cheeks. Thankfully, and unlike the previous situation we described, poking wires won’t necessarily delay your treatment but can cause considerable discomfort and sores. You should get in touch with our team to get a permanent solution or call our office to catch some DIY solutions you can try at home.
Lost Clear Aligner Trays Fairfield
Many of our patients choose to start their treatment with Invisalign® clear aligner trays instead of traditional metal braces in Fairfield. Unfortunately, the reason why so many prefer this alternative is also why so many have orthodontic emergencies in the first place. These trays are removable, so they’re perfect for quick mealtimes and avoiding any unwanted attention, but you can also set them aside and accidentally throw them away with the rest of your trash while in a food court. Please get in touch with our orthodontics Fairfield office to get a replacement set of aligners or more detailed instructions on what would work best in your case.
Pain and Discomfort
Getting your teeth moved and your entire smile realigned will cause some minor discomfort. Patients should expect some discomfort and increased tooth sensitivity for the first few days after they get their braces installed for the first time, an adjustment visit to the Fairfield orthodontist, or when they change to a new set of clear aligner trays. However, if you start feeling too much pain, or if it lasts for longer than three days, you should immediately consult with your orthodontist and get help from Fairfield emergency services to rule out any potentially life-threatening complications, such as an abscess.
Learning More About Orthodontic Emergencies in Fairfield
You can trust our team to offer you all the required help and permanently fix the problem you’re facing with your orthodontic appliance. Still, there’s plenty you can do at home with a few on-hand resources to remedy the discomfort of an orthodontic emergency. We’ll keep you updated to learn more about other situations considered true orthodontic emergencies and some DIY solutions you can try.
Get Help From Your Fairfield Orthodontist
The team of specialists in Westwalk Orthodontic Group wants to make sure you receive all the help you need when facing orthodontic emergencies. Make sure to give us a call at (203) 853-0808. All Fairfield residents can come to our orthodontic office in Fairfield for the best treatment possible.
We provide the following services in Fairfield:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an orthodontic emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is a general term for any situation where you might suffer an accident or discomforting situation that could potentially damage your orthodontic appliance or cause any unwanted delays for your overall treatment length. These situations can arise at any point, but it’s essential you know how to identify them and how to act accordingly to avoid any negative effects.
How to deal with an orthodontic emergency?
There is no single solution for every potential scenario involving an orthodontic emergency. One thing that will work every single time is remembering not to panic and contacting your orthodontist to request a more definitive solution, but there are a few DIY solutions you can also try for momentary relief.
What is considered an orthodontic emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are situations where you might suffer an accident that could damage your orthodontic appliance. Frequently, patients report having eaten something they shouldn’t have and now have to deal with a loose bracket. Others report lost clear aligners, while a few have to deal with poking wires. All in all, these situations are not life-threatening, and you should be able to simply manage any discomfort while you wait for your next appointment with an orthodontist.
What to do in an orthodontic emergency?
This will greatly depend on the type of orthodontic emergency you are currently facing. A few useful tips include keeping orthodontic wax handy to immobilize any freely-moving parts or cover anything that might cause discomfort or scratching. Likewise, you should consider reviewing your case with your orthodontist to determine what permanent solution will get you back on track with your treatment plan.
How can I avoid an orthodontic emergency?
Most orthodontic emergencies are non-life-threatening and the unfortunate result of ignoring an orthodontist’s recommendations. Try to pay special attention to any recommendations regarding what you can eat and the foods you should avoid during your treatment to prevent damage to your traditional metal braces.
