Emergency Care
Occasionally, patients may experience an injury to the mouth or an issue with their appliances during treatment. Dr. Deborah Griffin and our team are here to help you manage these situations quickly and comfortably. Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories.
Emergencies Related To Orthodontic Appliances
Sometimes appliances can become broken or bent during your care. If you experience loose bands, loose brackets, or poking wires, please call our office to schedule an appointment. To respect the time of all our patients, we cannot handle emergencies on a walk-in basis. In the meantime, you can use these tips to stay comfortable until your visit:
- Irritating Tie Wires: Cover the wire with beeswax or gently tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
- Loose Bands or Brackets: These can generally be left in place until your appointment. Call our office during business hours as soon as you notice the issue so we can schedule a time to reattach the appliance.
- Poking Archwires: You can often bend a sharp wire back with a pencil eraser or carefully snip the end with clean nail clippers. If this does not resolve the discomfort, contact us during patient hours.
Direct Injuries To The Mouth And Teeth
If you experience a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, immediately ice the area. You should contact your family dentist as soon as possible, as they are best equipped to handle fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth and provide the necessary anesthesia.
Once your general dentist has treated the initial injury, contact Griffin Orthodontics. We will need to replace or adjust your appliances to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track.
After Office Hours
If an orthodontic emergency arises after hours and the patient is in pain, please contact our office. Our voicemail provides detailed information regarding who to contact for further assistance and emergency support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic emergencies can happen unexpectedly, whether due to broken appliances or mouth injuries. Here are answers to common questions to help you know what to do and when to seek care.
What Is Considered An Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies typically include broken brackets, loose bands, poking wires, or discomfort caused by appliances. Injuries to the teeth or mouth may also require immediate attention.
What Should I Do If A Bracket Or Band Becomes Loose?
Loose brackets or bands can usually stay in place until your appointment. Contact the office during business hours so a repair visit can be scheduled promptly.
Do You Accept Walk-In Orthodontic Emergencies?
Orthodontic emergencies are handled by appointment to ensure proper care and respect for all patients’ time. Call ahead to schedule a visit.
Will An Orthodontic Emergency Delay My Treatment?
Most emergencies can be resolved quickly without affecting your overall treatment timeline, especially when addressed promptly.
When Should I Call The Office For Help?
Call the office if you have pain, broken appliances, or anything affecting your comfort or treatment progress. Early attention helps prevent bigger issues.
