During orthodontic treatment, patients may occasionally experience mouth injuries. These emergencies generally fall into two categories: issues related to orthodontic appliances and direct injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
If you encounter any problems with your orthodontic appliances, such as loose bands, brackets, or poking wires, please get in touch with our office during patient hours to schedule an appointment.
We prioritize scheduled appointments to ensure prompt and efficient care. In the meantime, here are some tips to manage common issues until you can visit us:
- Loose Band or Bracket: Leave it in place and call our office to schedule a reattachment appointment.
- Irritating Tie Wire: Cover the irritating area with beeswax or gently tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
- Broken or Poking Archwire: Use a pencil eraser to gently bend the wire or cut it with nail clippers if necessary. Contact us if the issue persists.
Direct Injuries to The Mouth & Teeth
If you sustain a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment or not, take immediate action:
- X-ray Examination: Your dentist may require an X-ray to assess the injury’s severity, significantly if a tooth is displaced, knocked out, or fractured.
- Ice the Injured Area: Apply ice to reduce swelling and contact your regular dentist promptly.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: If a tooth is chipped or broken, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them to your dentist immediately.
After Office Hours
For orthodontic emergencies causing pain outside of regular office hours, please contact us at (207) 623-3116. Detailed instructions for further assistance are available.Â
