Emergency Orthodontist Care
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can happen. Whether it’s a broken bracket, a poking wire, or an injury to the mouth, knowing how to respond can help minimize discomfort and keep your treatment on track. Dr. Scott Sprayberry and our team are here to provide guidance and support when unexpected orthodontic issues arise.
Orthodontic emergencies typically fall into two categories:
- Emergencies related to orthodontic appliances
- Direct injuries to the mouth and teeth
Here’s what you need to know about handling both situations and when to contact our office for assistance.
Orthodontic Appliance Emergencies
Braces and orthodontic appliances are designed to be strong, but sometimes they can break, loosen, or cause irritation. If you experience any of the following, please call our office during patient hours to schedule a repair appointment.
Common Issues & Temporary Solutions
- Loose Bracket or Band
- If a bracket or band becomes loose but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place until your appointment.
- If it comes off completely, save it and bring it to your appointment.
- Call our office to schedule a repair.
- Poking or Broken Wire
- Try to gently push the wire back into place using a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
- If the wire is still poking, cover it with orthodontic wax to reduce irritation.
- If absolutely necessary, you may trim the wire with sterilized nail clippers, but call us for an appointment.
- Irritating Tie Wire
- If a small tie wire is irritating your cheek, cover it with wax or use a Q-tip to tuck it under the archwire.
No Walk-Ins for Emergencies, For the convenience of all scheduled patients, we are unable to accommodate walk-in emergency repairs. Please call ahead so we can schedule a time to assist you.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
If you sustain a blow to the mouth or teeth, follow these steps immediately:
- Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling.
- Contact your general dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
- Get an X-ray to assess damage if a tooth is displaced, knocked out, or fractured.
Should I Call My Orthodontist or Dentist?
- Call your general dentist first if the injury involves your teeth. They have the necessary tools and anesthesia for urgent dental care.
- Call our office if your braces or appliances become dislodged or displaced due to the injury. We will adjust or replace them once your dentist has addressed any dental trauma.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If you experience severe pain outside of office hours, please contact our office. Our after-hours voicemail will provide instructions on who to reach for further assistance.
If you ever have an orthodontic emergency or need guidance on what to do, don’t hesitate to call us! We are committed to ensuring your comfort and keeping your treatment on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but most situations can be managed safely until you can visit our office. Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients have about emergency orthodontic care.
What Should I Do If I Have an Orthodontic Emergency in Auburn, AL?
If you experience a broken bracket, loose band, poking wire, or another orthodontic issue, contact Sprayberry Orthodontics as soon as possible. Our team will provide guidance and schedule a repair appointment if necessary.
Is a Loose Bracket an Orthodontic Emergency?
A loose bracket usually does not require immediate treatment, but it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent treatment delays. If the bracket remains attached to the wire, leave it in place and contact our office to schedule an appointment.
How Can I Stop a Poking Wire from Irritating My Mouth?
You can try gently moving the wire with a pencil eraser or covering the area with orthodontic wax to reduce irritation. If the discomfort continues, call our office so we can evaluate the issue and recommend the next steps.
Should I Call My Orthodontist or Dentist After a Mouth Injury?
If your injury involves a chipped, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out tooth, contact your general dentist first. If your braces, wires, or orthodontic appliances have been damaged by the injury, contact Sprayberry Orthodontics after receiving dental care.
Do You Offer After-Hours Orthodontic Emergency Care?
If you experience severe discomfort or an urgent orthodontic issue outside of regular office hours, please call our office. Our after-hours voicemail will provide instructions for obtaining additional assistance when needed.