We offer treatment for children as young as age seven to help correct misalignment and improve bite balance. But what happens if braces break, or a retainer is damaged? These are orthodontic emergencies, and they need attention right away from your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist. In today’s blog, we look at how to respond to these situations, and the importance of seeking treatment.
Treatment in Childhood
We offer a phased approach when treating misalignment in younger patients. We can start as young as age seven, as the mix of baby and permanent teeth let us identify the risk of misalignment. Initially, we will use teeth spacers and retainers to guide the growth and development of the smile, and later we will upgrade to braces or aligners to finish treatment and correct misalignment. However, damaged orthodontics could compromise your retainers or aligners, or limit their ability to correct misalignment. This could halt treatment or even lead to lost ground with the correction of the smile. You should let us know as soon as braces or retainers become broken!
Common Dental Emergencies
When a wire is loose, this could lead to discomfort. Let us know, and in the meantime, use the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire down and away from the gums and cheeks. Your child can coat them in wax too. If a band or bracket falls out, place it in a sealed container. If they become loose, then wax can keep them in place until we see you. If an aligner is cracked or causing discomfort, coat the offending areas in wax and see us quickly. If headgear is fitting improperly or causing discomfort, then let us know so we can make any necessary adjustments, or make sure they’re being worn as instructed.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile
To help prevent injuries, make sure your little one wears a mouthguard when playing sports or martial arts. Make sure the aligners are being cleaned and soaked, and stored safely in a container when not being worn. These actions help prevent damage to both your child’s orthodontics and to their teeth. Have your little one cut back on hard or chewy foods, which risk damage or could become trapped in the smile. If you have any questions about addressing common orthodontic emergencies, then contact our team today to learn more.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCY CARE?
Addressing dental emergencies quickly is vital for your kid’s treatment, so they continue their journey to an even smile unimpeded. To learn more about how we correct misalignment in childhood, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Haslet, Azle, and all surrounding communities.
