Braces Emergencies

Prepare Yourself For Anything

Orthodontic emergencies are, thankfully, very rare. The following topics can help you address most orthodontic problems at home.

However, for anything you can’t resolve on your own, contact our Tucker or Marietta office as soon as possible so we can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim.

Here to Help Our NK Ortho Patients

The following orthodontic emergencies and their treatments are listed from least severe to most severe. Only the most severe emergencies require immediate attention from your orthodontist.

Food Caught Between Your Teeth

Discomfort

Lost Separators

Mouth Sores

You may be susceptible to mouth sores. While your braces don’t cause them, they may be made worse by irritation from braces. One or several patches of sores may appear on the cheeks, lips, or tongue. This is not an emergency, but it may be very uncomfortable.

Get quick relief by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the area with sores using a cotton swab. You can reapply as needed.

Wire Irritation

Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire doesn’t move, try covering the end with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax.

You’ll need to make Dr. Kim aware of the problem. If the wire is extremely bothersome and you can’t come into the office anytime soon, you may clip the wire as a last resort.

Cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been properly washed and sterilized.

Loose Brackets

You Swallow a Piece of Your Appliance

This is rare, but when it does happen, it can be alarming. It’s important to stay calm. If you’re coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, you may have inhaled the piece into your airways or lungs.

If you can see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it. DO NOT try if you could cause harm. If appropriate, examine your braces for problems resulting from the missing piece, such as looseness or irritation, and treat them as specified above.

If you can’t see the piece and believe you may have inhaled it, call NK Orthodontics immediately.

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