Orthodontic emergencies can occur during treatment, whether related to braces, wires, or injuries to the teeth and mouth. At R & R Orthodontics, Dr. Richard Rosenbloom and our team are here to help patients manage orthodontic problems quickly and comfortably while keeping treatment on track.
Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories: appliance-related issues and direct injuries to the teeth or mouth.
What Should I Do If I Have a Problem with My Braces?
Sometimes orthodontic appliances may become loose, bent, or damaged during treatment. Common orthodontic appliance issues may include:
- Loose brackets or bands
- Broken wires
- Poking archwires
- Irritating tie wires
If you experience any of these issues, please contact R & R Orthodontics during patient hours to schedule an appointment. For the convenience of all patients, emergency visits cannot be handled on a walk-in basis.
How Can I Temporarily Relieve a Poking Wire or Loose Appliance?
Some minor orthodontic issues can often be temporarily managed at home until your scheduled appointment.
Helpful temporary solutions may include:
- Covering an irritating wire with orthodontic wax
- Using a pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently tuck a wire under the archwire
- Leaving a loose bracket or band in place until it can be evaluated
- Carefully bending a poking wire inward with a pencil eraser
- Trimming a sharp wire carefully with nail clippers if necessary
If the issue continues causing discomfort, contact our office so we can schedule a repair appointment.
What Should I Do After an Injury to My Teeth or Mouth?
If you experience a direct injury involving your teeth or mouth, immediately apply ice to the injured area and contact your general dentist as soon as possible.
Injuries involving displaced, fractured, or knocked-out teeth are usually best treated first by your family dentist, since X-rays, anesthesia, or emergency dental procedures may be required.
If orthodontic appliances become displaced or damaged during the injury, Dr. Rosenbloom will adjust or replace the appliances after your dentist has addressed the primary dental injury.
What Should I Do If I Have an Orthodontic Emergency After Office Hours?
If you experience a dental or orthodontic emergency after office hours, please call our after-hours telephone numbers and follow the instructions provided on the outgoing voice message.
After-Hours Emergency Numbers
Fishkill: (845) 206-4906
La Grangeville: (845) 827-1112
Why Is It Important to Address Orthodontic Emergencies Quickly?
Prompt attention to broken appliances, loose wires, or dental injuries helps keep orthodontic treatment progressing properly and may help prevent additional discomfort or damage.
If you are unsure whether your situation requires immediate attention, our team is always happy to help guide you on the next steps for care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic emergencies can feel stressful, but many common issues can be managed temporarily until you are able to visit our office. Below are answers to some common questions about emergency orthodontic care at R & R Orthodontics.
A loose bracket or band can often remain in place temporarily until your appointment. Contact R & R Orthodontics during patient hours so we can schedule a visit if needed.
Orthodontic wax can be placed over the irritating area to reduce discomfort. In some cases, a pencil eraser or cotton swab may also be used to gently move the wire away from the cheek or gums.
If a tooth has been knocked out, displaced, or fractured, you should contact your general dentist first. After the dental injury has been treated, our office can evaluate and adjust any damaged orthodontic appliances if necessary.
No. For the convenience of scheduled patients, orthodontic emergencies are not handled on a walk-in basis. Please call our office during patient hours so we can schedule an appointment.
If you experience an orthodontic emergency after office hours, call our after-hours emergency phone numbers and follow the instructions provided on the outgoing voice message.