What Is a Serious Orthodontic Emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is a situation involving your braces or other orthodontic equipment that can be hazardous if not fixed right away. If you do not seek treatment for a serious orthodontic emergency, you could suffer an injury, cause dental issues, or allow your teeth to shift back to their original positions.
At Absolute Dental, we have the resources and expertise to help with different types of orthodontic emergencies, including the following:
Loose Bracket
A loose or floating bracket happens when the bracket that holds the archwire on your teeth detaches from the tooth’s surface. While a loose bracket happens to many patients, it is not something to ignore or take lightly.
Depending on the location of the broken bracket, it may cause the archwire to become loose, reversing your treatment progress. It could also slip off the wire and damage your teeth if you accidentally bite down on it. A loose bracket can also be swallowed or inhaled, which can lead to other health issues.
Wire Irritation
Another common occurrence with broken or poorly fitted braces is wire irritation. If the archwire extends past the last bracket, the sharp point can irritate the gums and the inside of the cheek. This can also cause an injury if you fall or hit your face, making the sharp edge of the wire cut into the mouth.
You can avoid severe archwire irritation by seeing an orthodontist in Las Vegas when you notice the wire is out of place. A broken archwire is also a reason to find an emergency orthodontist. Fixing the wire can prevent injuries and keep your braces treatment on track.
Lost Separator
An orthodontic separator or spacer is a small metal spring or elastic band that goes between the teeth to make space for braces. They are typically placed for about one to two weeks to create enough room to accommodate orthodontic bands. People may lose a separator by:
- Eating hard or sticky foods
- Brushing or flossing too aggressively
- Natural movement during orthodontic treatment
You should contact your dentist as soon as you notice a lost separator. It may need to be replaced to avoid delays in your treatment schedule.
Uncomfortable Headgear
Some orthodontic patients need to wear headgear to correct severe misalignments and achieve results faster. Examples of orthodontic headgear include:
- Cervical Pull Headgear: Corrects overbite or overjet issues
- High Pull Headgear: Corrects overbite or overjet issues
- Reverse Pull Headgear: Corrects underbite issues
If you or your child needs to wear headgear, it’s important to work with the best orthodontist Las Vegas team. Without the right preparation or quality equipment, headgear will not fit properly and cause discomfort for patients. The more comfortable the gear, the more likely the patient is to comply with treatment and achieve results.
Mouth Sores
Braces can sometimes cause canker sores when the brackets or wires rub against the inside of the mouth. While these mouth sores will typically go away on their own with at-home care, you should see your orthodontist if the sores are worsening or they keep coming back.
Ask your orthodontist for tips to reduce irritation, such as applying dental wax to your braces. If the sores do not heal and continue to worsen, it could lead to an infection and other oral health issues.
Food Caught Between Teeth
It can be more challenging to keep your teeth clean when you have braces because there are more places for food to hide or become lodged in the equipment. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and bacteria buildup that increases the risk of:
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Gum disease
If you notice food caught between your teeth that cannot be removed with brushing or flossing, contact your dentist for further instructions. An orthodontist will have special tools to remove the blockage quickly in the dentist’s office. They will also provide guidelines on what foods to eat with braces to avoid these issues.
