Orthodontic emergencies can happen when you least expect them. If you experience an orthodontic emergency, whether it’s a broken appliance or constant pain, we can help!
If you bite into hard, chewy food and break your appliance or injure yourself after a hard fall or other jarring impact, contact our office immediately. A broken appliance can result in further injury to your mouth and a longer, more costly treatment. We can find a time to fit you into our schedule and fix your appliance.
If you have an emergency outside of our office hours, call us at (618) 624-0800 and listen to the instructions on our voicemail.
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
So, is there any way to prevent orthodontic emergencies from even happening? Thankfully, the answer is yes! Here are some tips to keep your appliances in great shape and your smile happy throughout treatment.
Stick to Soft Foods.
Chewy, sticky, crunchy, and hard food can break your braces. Try to only eat soft foods and take smaller bites. If your braces break while you’re eating, you will need to schedule an appointment with us to get them fixed. Note that you may incur additional orthodontic fees.
Protect Teeth with a Mouthguard.
Do you or your child play sports? If so, it’s crucial to protect the teeth and braces from injury using a mouthguard. At your next visit, let us know if you need a mouthguard. We can help you choose the right one for your smile.
Remember to Brush and Floss.
No matter what, always brush and floss every day. If you can, brush every time after you eat. If food gets stuck in your appliances and teeth, plaque can form. This can lead to gum disease later on.
For detailed information on fixing a broken appliance, check out how to handle common orthodontic problems at home.