Orthodontic Emergencies in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

If you or someone you love is facing an orthodontic emergency in the Palm Beaches, FL, area, we’re here to help. Orthodontic emergencies can happen unexpectedly. If you have a broken retainer, are experiencing trouble with your braces or have another orthodontic issue, contact our office today.

What is an Orthodontic Emergency?

Although many orthodontic problems can be taken care of from home, sometimes an emergency visit will be needed. A trip to the orthodontist is needed in cases such as infected gums, extreme pain or mouth trauma. If you are not sure if you need to be seen in-office, give our team a call. We can provide the best recommendations based on your needs.

What to do in an Orthodontic Emergency

The best thing you can do in an emergency is to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. Don’t panic and follow the tips below as you or your family member waits to be seen. Many orthodontic problems can be addressed from home. The following tips can help you determine when to call your orthodontist for help at 561-708-4738.

Loose or Broken Brackets

If you have braces, you may experience a bracket becoming loose or detached. This can happen if you are eating sticky foods, fiddling with your bracket or chewing on something hard. Don’t try to remove the bracket. Keep it in place as it should still continue to work until your visit with the orthodontist. If the bracket is causing you discomfort, covering it with wax can help solve the problem until you can be seen. 

Wire Poking Cheeks or Gums

An archwire may cause pain or discomfort if it is poking out towards your cheeks or gums. Applying a ball of wax on the end of the wire can help with discomfort, or using a disinfected pair of nail clippers to shorten the length of the wire can also solve this issue. 

Ulcers or Sores Inside Your Mouth

It’s fairly common to develop ulcers or sores in your mouth when wearing braces. These sores should not last long. The best way to handle sores or ulcers is to avoid using your hands to touch the sores, use wax to cover any brackets or wires that are irritating your mouth and use topical gels to heal the sores. 

Lost Rubber Band

With braces, rubber bands are used over the brackets to secure the archwire. Losing an elastic band is not an emergency. You can simply use a clean pair of tweezers to place another band. If you are having trouble, your orthodontist can do this at your next visit.

Broken Retainer

If you have a broken retainer, call our office right away at 561-708-4738. Left unrepaired, the retainer can apply force incorrectly in your mouth causing problems with your teeth alignment. It’s important to replace your retainer as soon as possible if it does break.

We’re Here for You

If you have an orthodontic emergency, we’re here for you when you need us the most. Give our team a call and we will do everything we can to get you into our office for a visit. Our team will help you feel comfortable, address your concerns and offer the best recommendations for any necessary treatment.