Chicago Orthodontic Emergencies
Chicago orthodontic emergencies are typically rare events. However, it is important to know what to do if you experience an emergency or a problem with your braces, appliance, or retainer. In many cases, there are solutions available to help make you more comfortable until you are able to visit our office.
Avoiding Orthodontic Emergencies and Issues
The best way to avoid orthodontic emergencies and issues is by wearing a mouthguard during sporting activities, and by taking good care of your teeth. Avoid hard candies and other foods that can break or damage your braces. Please avoid chewing on pens or other items as those habits may cause damage to your teeth and your braces.
Common Orthodontic Issues & Solutions
You may experience some minor issues and discomfort with braces. Some of these issues are actually related to the progress your teeth are making as they move, so they can be a good sign!
When you first get your braces, and after each adjustment visit, pain and discomfort should be expected. This typically goes away after a few 4-7 days, as your mouth gets used to the braces. During this period, eating soft foods (soups, yogurt, shakes, etc… ) is recommended. Over the counter pain relievers may be used if needed. Prescription pain relievers should not be used for this type of pain.
You may stop by the office to get more rubber bands if needed. Please make sure you remember what type of rubber bands you are using. This is usually indicated by an animal figure in the bag of rubber bands.
Please go back to wearing the previous aligner and contact the office for replacement.
If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If the loose bracket or band is making you uncomfortable, place some orthodontic wax over the area. Call to come in for a quick repair appointment. Please do not connect headgear or elastics (rubber bands) to a loose band.
Tie wires and elastic ties are what hold the wire in place on your bracket. Your wire may feel loose. Do not wiggle or move the wire. Call to come in for a repair appointment.
If your archwire (the long wire that is attached to your brackets) comes out of one of the brackets, try to place the wire back into the tube with tweezers. If the wire causes you discomfort, place wax over the area and call to come in for a repair appointment.
A tie wire is what is used to connect the archwire to the bracket. If possible, bend the tie wire back into place with a spoon or pencil eraser. If the tie wire will not bend back, or is causing discomfort, cover it with wax and call to come in for a repair appointment.
As your teeth shift, your archwire may seem “longer” as the time of your next adjustment appointment approaches. This can be a good sign of progress. However, if your archwires are poking you or causing discomfort, cover the poking end with wax or wet cotton. Call to come in for a repair appointment.
Urgent Orthodontic Emergencies in Chicago
Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports is the best way to prevent traumatic injuries to your teeth, lips, and other soft tissue when you have braces and other orthodontic treatment. If you experience an injury to your head, mouth, or teeth and you experience bleeding, or a loose, crooked or knocked out (avulsed) tooth, it is important to visit your dental office or emergency room as soon as possible, and no longer than 2 hours from the time of the injury.
If you have any accidents or other injuries relating to your teeth, it is important to contact us immediately for an evaluation. We have 14 offices in the city and suburbs of Chicago IL.