Emergency Orthodontics in Utah
At Utah Orthodontic Care, we make your health and safety as our very first priority. Every doctor at each of our multiple locations has years of experience treating a wide range of orthodontic problems, and we work hard to make you feel comfortable through every stage of your treatment. Whether you’re visiting one of our Salt Lake City area orthodontic experts with your child or to improve your own smile with adult treatment, you can rest assured that you will receive the exceptional orthodontic care and friendly service you deserve! Sometimes, though, emergencies do happen – and when they do, we’re here for you.
In Case of Emergency
Thankfully, orthodontic emergencies are rare. Because, at Utah Orthodontic Care, we want the time you spend wearing braces to be a trouble-free time, we have put together the following information that can help resolve any issues or problems you may have while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
At first, becoming accustomed to having braces may take some time. It is not unusual to have slight soreness after having your braces put on your teeth, following adjustment appointments, or changing your aligners. While some general soreness is normal, having a true orthodontic emergency is rare as most patients undergo treatment without having any major problems whatsoever.
If you do have an emergency situation with your braces, the first step to take is to determine if the situation requires immediate attention or if it’s just a minor issue that you can handle yourself until your next appointment with us. Below are some of the most common problems orthodontic patients experience along with directions on how to handle them.
Loose Brackets or Bands
If you break or loosen any of your appliances, call us as soon as possible. Please don’t come straight to the office. Based on the phone call, we’ll evaluate the situation and ensure that you’re seen by the appropriate person as quickly as possible. If an emergency arises and you need a wire to be cut, wash and sterilize fingernail clippers in alcohol, then use them to cut the wire. Call your nearest Utah Orthodontic Care office as soon as you can after doing this so we can schedule an appointment to fix the issue.
Irritation from Wires
It’s not uncommon for wires in braces to catch the mouth and cause irritation. If a wire is causing you discomfort by poking or irritating the inside of your cheeks, try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or the head of an eraser. If this doesn’t work, try covering the end of the wire with a small piece of wax from your maintenance kit, or if you are all out of dental wax, you can use a cotton ball. If the wire is extremely painful and the issue can’t be fixed any other way, you may cut it with a pair of nail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the problem with an irritating wire, call us to set up an appointment in North Ogden, West Jordan, or the Utah Orthodontic Care office nearest you.
Lost Separators
It is not unusual to lose a separator so don’t panic if it happens to you. Just call us to let us know, and we’ll tell you whether or not it needs to be replaced.
General Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week of your treatment, while your mouth is still adjusting to its new hardware, it’s possible that you’ll experience discomfort, soreness, or pain in various parts of your mouth. Stay strong! This is a normal part of the process. Feel free to take acetaminophen or other over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain reliever according to package directions while you get used to the braces. If soreness persists, a warm compress or a heating pad on the outside of your jaw may ease any soreness or tenderness you feel. Or, swishing warm salt water around your mouth can do a lot to help with pain. Make sure to avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods, as these can add to the discomfort. Visit our Pinterest board for lots of braces-friendly recipes, such as delicious soups and smoothies!
Contact On Of Our Convenient Utah Orthodontic Offices!
If you have more questions about caring for your metal or ceramic braces or your Invisalign clear aligners, or have a situation you’re unsure how to handle, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at our contact page with any questions you may have. If you’re new to our practice, use our easy online form to schedule your free consultation. Our orthodontists and general dentists look forward to answering all of your questions and helping you create that smile of your dreams.