Handling Orthodontic Emergencies in San Antonio, TX

If you experience an orthodontic emergency, there are steps you can take at home to alleviate discomfort and protect your braces or aligners until you can see your orthodontist.

Broken or Loose Brackets

• Temporary Fix: If a bracket is still attached to the wire, you can use orthodontic wax to hold it in place and prevent irritation.
• Avoid Certain Foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid hard or sticky items that could further damage the bracket.

Poking Wires

• Orthodontic Wax: Apply orthodontic wax over the poking wire to reduce irritation.
• Tweezers: If you feel comfortable, you can try to gently push the wire back into place using clean tweezers.
• Clip the Wire: In case the wire is too long and causing severe discomfort, you can use sterilized nail clippers to trim the end of the wire.

Lost or Broken Aligners

• Wear Previous Set: If you lose your current aligner, wear the previous set to maintain your teeth's position.

Severe Pain or Discomfort

• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort.
• Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This can soothe sore spots in your mouth.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and pain.

While some emergencies are unavoidable, you can minimize the risk by following these tips:

• Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candies, and chewing gum can damage braces and wires.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your braces from impact and prevent injuries.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth and braces clean can prevent issues like cavities and gum disease, which can complicate your orthodontic treatment.