What is Considered as an Orthodontic Dental Emergency?

Undergoing teeth straightening treatment with braces or aligners leaves some risk of orthodontic emergencies. But what constitutes an emergency needing urgent dental care? Discover common orthodontic issues requiring emergency appointments and how to access out-of-hours support.

What Classifies as an Orthodontic Emergency?

Any orthodontic injury or issue causing unrelenting pain, difficulty eating/sleeping or involving damaged appliances needing immediate repair is considered an emergency. Bleeding that doesn't stop spontaneously within 10 minutes also warrants urgent care.

Common emergency orthodontic issues include:

Loose Braces

Braces becoming partially or fully dislodged counts as an emergency. If a wire is poking your cheek causing extreme discomfort, or you've swallowed a detached brace component, seek emergency assistance. Leaving loose braces longer risks teeth shifting out of alignment or risking injury from unstable wire pieces.

Damaged Braces

Cracks, breaks or distortion to archwires, brackets or auxiliary devices require prompt attention to avoid complications. Common damage-causing culprits include very sticky/hard foods cracking brackets or even displacement by trauma from faces, elbows during sports. Missing or disconnected rubber bands also need replacement.

Poking Wire

Loose or disconnected wire ends may poke and ulcerate the cheeks or gums. The constant irritation is not only painful but can damage oral tissues. Seek emergency repairs for relief and to prevent worsening tissue cuts from sharp wire ends.

Loose Bands

Cement holding orthodontic bands around teeth occasionally fails. Bands provide critical anchorage for appliances so quick repairs prevent halting progress mid-treatment.

Lost or Broken Retainers

Losing retainers after completing active realignment treatment or having retainers break risks teeth shifting back out of position. As bone and gums take up to a year to completely stabilize around straightened teeth, it's crucial to continue wearing prescribed retainers. Seek emergency replacements from your orthodontist if originals become unusable.

Significant Pain

While mild tenderness following adjustments is normal initially, increasing pain likely signals an emergency issue needing attention. Severe constant pain from damaged orthodontics or appliances interfering with proper mouth function requires urgent repairs for relief. Seek help for pain preventing normal eating, drinking or sleeping.

Infections

Poor cleaning around orthodontics may lead to infections of the gums or oral tissues. Red, inflamed or bleeding gums or sores warrant emergency assistance to resolve infection risks.

What to Do with an Orthodontic Emergency?

Don't panic with any orthodontic mishap as our experienced emergency dentists can promptly resolve most issues. We offer dedicated emergency slots daily - simply call our office number displayed prominently on our website and answer machine. For quickest assistance, take several photos showing the problem and your orthodontic reference number if possible when initially contacting us. This gives our on-call dentists the most information to schedule appropriate repairs.

If orthodontic damage occurs outside usual office hours, our answer machine message will redirect you to the contact number of the dentist covering emergency assistance. So you'll speak directly with qualified support able to remedy most orthodontic issues same day or provide pain relief until we can see you next open day. In a genuine crisis, attend the closest hospital casualty ward immediately though this is rarely necessary with orthodontic issues.

You'll also find useful emergency advice about managing issues like poking wire ends or loose bands on our website. Equipping patients to handle minor issues safely at home helps minimize orthodontic emergency occurrences. However, do contact us rather than improvise home solutions whenever unsure - preventing complications is paramount.

Can Orthodontic Emergencies Be Prevented?

While unpredictable accidents happen, practicing good oral care and following your orthodontist’s instructions minimizes emergency risks. Useful tips include:

·        Maintain excellent hygiene with brushing, flossing and using any recommended oral hygiene aids to prevent decay or infection risks.

·        Choose suitable foods - avoid very hard, sticky and crunchy items that could damage braces.

·        Wear headgear as directed to avoid knocking teeth out of place.

·        Use orthodontic wax to smooth any brackets irritating your lips or cheeks.

·        Take care playing sports where elbows/balls pose trauma risks. Consider wearing a mouthguard.

Don’t pick at braces with sharp items which could dislodge components. Inform us of any irritating poky ends instead of attempting quick home fixes.

Attending all scheduled orthodontic adjustment visits also ensures appliances function safely and effectively during treatment. Promptly scheduling repairs for damaged or painful braces prevents more serious complications from arising. So contact 1A Orthodontics Clinic anytime you have orthodontic concerns requiring urgent attention.

Need Emergency Orthodontic Repairs? Rely on 1A Orthodontics Clinic!

As a leading London Emergency orthodontic practice, we understand the stresses accidental orthodontic damage or appliance issues can cause mid-treatment. Our experienced orthodontists provide dedicated daily emergency slots to promptly resolve common mishaps like poking wires, damaged aligners or lost retainers. We also offer direct contact details for our on-call emergency dentist available anytime night or day - because no one should endure unnecessary orthodontic discomfort!

To learn more about orthodontic emergency support or book an initial Invisalign teeth straightening consultation, contact 1A Orthodontics Clinic today and trust your smile is in the safest hands!