Orthodontic emergencies are rarely true emergencies. However, occasionally something may happen that requires prompt attention from Dr. Paul Sokolowski to resolve and bring your treatment back on track. If you or your child are experiencing discomfort, or if something breaks or comes off, please contact Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics as soon as possible. Our team will provide you with strategies on what to do at home and make arrangements for you to come into the office so that our orthodontist can provide you with the care you need.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Are you uncertain about what is actually an orthodontic emergency? The answer is simple: anything that needs to be addressed by our orthodontist and can’t wait until your next scheduled appointment is an orthodontic emergency. While some things can be easily addressed over the phone, other things may require you to come in so that your appliance can be repaired or adjusted. Either way, don’t panic. Call our office as soon as you can, and we will help you determine the cause of the problem and find a solution.
Here are some common orthodontic emergencies you may encounter:
- Loose brackets or bands
- Poking wires or other wire irritations
- Lost separators
- Discomfort with your braces or other treatment
- Food stuck in your braces and causing discomfort
Handling Orthodontic Emergencies At Home
Some orthodontic “emergencies” can be taken care of at home. We’ve provided a few instructions here, and invite you to call us if you need a little coaching over the phone.
Food Between Your Teeth
While this is not necessarily an emergency, it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. You can usually use floss or an interproximal brush or toothpick to remove food caught between your teeth and braces. If the trapped food is causing discomfort, or you can’t dislodge it yourself, call to make an emergency appointment with our orthodontist.
Bands or Ligatures Coming Loose or Off
The tiny rubber bands or wires which hold the archwire to the bracket of your braces can sometimes be put back in place with sterile tweezers. Loose bands can be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser. However, please feel free to call and speak with a member of our team. We can advise you on how to put loose wires and bands back in place, or make an appointment for you to come in.
Discomfort, Irritation and Mouth Sores
A small amount of discomfort after braces are initially placed or after adjustments is normal and should subside quickly. You can mitigate this temporary discomfort by rinsing with warm salt water and eating soft foods. Should soreness persist or become severe, please call and make an appointment.
If you are prone to developing sores these may be precipitated or exacerbated by irritation from braces. This is not an emergency but may be uncomfortable. Our orthodontist may recommend small amounts of topical anesthetic, applying dental wax as a buffer or other solutions to help you feel more comfortable and relieve irritation.
Protruding Wires
Sometimes the end of a wire will work itself out of place and cause irritation. You can push the wire so it’s flat against the tooth using a Q-tip or pencil eraser., If the wire can’t be moved into a comfortable position, you can apply wax. Please contact us to make an appointment so that we can adjust or clip the wire for you.
Loose Brackets, Bands or Wires
If your braces (including brackets, bands and archwires) come loose in any way, please call our office. Braces may become loose as a result of eating hard, crunchy or sticky foods, or if your mouth is struck during sports or other activities. You will need to meet with Dr. Sokolowski to have your braces repaired and reattached correctly to your teeth. Our team may make recommendations on ways to temporarily prevent the bracket from becoming even more loose before you are able to come in for an emergency appointment.
Swallowing An Appliance
This is rare, but when it does happen it can be alarming. Please remain calm. If you are able to see the piece you can carefully attempt to remove it, but don’t make an attempt to do this if you are uncomfortable or believe it could cause harm. If you are coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, the piece could have been aspirated. Please contact our office immediately – our team will help you evaluate if our orthodontist can assist or if you should visit the emergency room before coming to our office.
How To Avoid Orthodontic Emergencies
There are a few simple ways to avoid orthodontic emergencies:
- Follow the food guidelines our pediatric dentist and team provide. Most orthodontic emergencies occur because you ate something you should have avoided while wearing braces. In general, you should avoid hard, sticky and overly chewy foods, as these can damage your appliance.
- Follow instructions for brushing and flossing with braces, and continue to visit your regular dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and exam.
- Wear an athletic mouth guard while playing sports. This helps protect your teeth and mouth from injury as well as protecting your braces from damage.
Our Fully Certified Team
Our assistants are PAL (pediatric advanced life support) certified and our office is CPR certified. We take your health and safety seriously, and do everything possible to help ensure your health and wellbeing, especially if you are experiencing a dental or orthodontic emergency.
Other Emergencies
If you or your child are experiencing a life-threatening or severe injury or trauma to the head or neck, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room, even if your braces, appliances or teeth are also damaged.
Schedule An Emergency Appointment
Call now to schedule an emergency orthodontic appointment in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, California, with Dr. Daghlian or to speak with a member of our team.
Emergency Orthodontics: FAQ
Welcome to Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics FAQ section for orthodontic emergencies! We understand that unexpected orthodontic issues can be concerning, which is why we are here to provide you with the answers you need. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to delivering top-notch emergency orthodontic care to patients in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, CA. Read on to discover the value of our services and the benefits you’ll receive when you schedule an appointment with us.
Q: What is an orthodontic emergency?
A: An orthodontic emergency refers to any situation where immediate attention is required to address an issue that could potentially harm your teeth, gums, or orthodontic appliances. These emergencies can range from sudden severe pain or injuries to broken wires, loose brackets, or even lost retainers.
Q: Why should I seek emergency orthodontic care?
A: Seeking immediate orthodontic care for emergencies is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that any potential damage is addressed promptly, preventing further complications and reducing the risk of long-term dental issues. Additionally, seeking emergency care from our experienced team helps to alleviate pain, discomfort, or any other distressing symptoms you may be experiencing.
Q: How can Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics help with orthodontic emergencies?
A: At Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics, we have a highly skilled orthodontist who specialize in handling orthodontic emergencies. We use our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to assess your situation, provide immediate relief, and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your orthodontic appliances or address any other dental issues. Our team’s extensive experience in emergency orthodontics ensures that you receive the highest quality care when it matters most.
Q: What are the benefits of scheduling an emergency orthodontic appointment with Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics?
A: By scheduling an emergency orthodontic appointment with us, you can expect to receive exceptional benefits, including:
1. Immediate attention: Our team understands the urgency of orthodontic emergencies and will prioritize your case to provide timely care. We strive to accommodate emergency appointments as soon as possible, ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly.
2. Expert diagnosis and treatment: Our orthodontic specialists have years of experience in handling emergencies. They will carefully diagnose your situation, explain the treatment options available, and guide you through the best course of action for optimal results.
3. Advanced technology and techniques: At Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics, we stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques. This allows us to provide you with the most effective and efficient solutions for your emergency, ensuring optimal outcomes.
4. Personalized care: We believe in providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Our team will take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan customized to address your emergency.
5. Comprehensive orthodontic services: Beyond emergency care, we offer a wide range of orthodontic services, including braces, Invisalign, and more. By choosing Daghlian Pediatric Dentistry & Sokolowski Orthodontics, you can benefit from a comprehensive approach to your orthodontic needs in a welcoming and patient-centered environment.