When you’re faced with an orthodontic emergency, you need to seek treatment right away. Otherwise, your treatment plan could be at a stand still and you could develop serious complications for your smile’s health and comfort. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist looks at common emergency situations, and how you can ease discomfort until you can see us for treatment.
When to See Us
If you’re undergoing treatment with retainers or Invisalign® aligners, let us know if they become cracked or damaged. This could slow your treatment and also lead to discomfort. If your braces have loose wires, brackets, or bands, let us know. Poor-fitting headgear is also a sign of trouble, as is discomfort that doesn’t pass after a day or two. If you encounter one or more of these scenarios, then please contact our team today.
Addressing Your Discomfort
We will set up a time to see you at your earliest convenience. In the meantime, you should take steps to ease discomfort. If a wire is loose and poking your gums or cheeks, then use the eraser-end of a pencil to push it down and away from soft tissues. Coating the wire in wax also provides additional protection. If a band or bracket is loose, wax can keep it in place until we can reattach. If they come out completely, wrap them in tissue or place them in a small container and bring them with you. Any discomfort can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain medication. We will take steps to ensure your health and safety, limiting the amount of people in the waiting room, cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces in between each visit, and our team will be wearing PPE equipment too.
Protecting Your Braces and Aligners
If you play sports or any other activities that risks injury, then you should wear a mouthguard, as this protects not only your smile, but your orthodontics too. Be sure you attend any scheduled visits so we can continue to monitor your treatment process. Make time to brush and floss daily too, as cleaning around your braces helps prevent stains, decay, and other oral health issues. If you have any questions about addressing orthodontic emergencies, or if you would like to undergo treatment to correct your misalignment, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCY CARE?
Don’t let issues with your braces cause discomfort and interrupt your treatment process. Instead, let us know and schedule a time to see us for treatment. To learn more about our approach to orthodontic emergency care, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
