If you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency, please call our office at 201-750-0011 so that we can either schedule you for an emergency appointment or make a note for the next scheduled appointment. Out of respect to the patients who are already scheduled, we cannot guarantee that any broken appliances will be repaired or rebonded if you walk in.
Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories:
1) Discomfort from the orthodontic appliances
Discomfort can be caused by broken brackets, loose bands, or poking wires. Here are some helpful hints to remedy the problem until we are able to see you:
- If a wire is sticking out and irritating your cheeks or gums, use a blunt instrument (like the eraser end of a pencil or Q-tip) to push the wire back into the bracket or bend it inward so it is not sticking out. If this is not working, place wax over the sharp end until we are able to see you in the office.
- If a bracket is broken and there is discomfort, place wax over the bothersome areas until we are able to see you in the office.
- If a color tie comes off and a loose wire is causing discomfort, use tweezers to pull the wire back into the center of the bracket.
2) Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
Trauma to the mouth and teeth is not uncommon, especially for patients who play sports. If you’ve experienced a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, immediately ice the area and contact your family dentist as soon as possible. Usually, an x-ray of the teeth involved is necessary to determine the extent of the injury. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, it is best to contact your dentist first because we, as orthodontic specialists, may not have the necessary materials or anesthesia required to treat these injuries. If the appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will replace or adjust the appliances after your family dentist has evaluated and treated the injury as needed.
We are here for you! Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
