What Constitutes an Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies can vary in severity, but some common issues may require immediate attention. If you experience any of these issues, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to determine the appropriate course of action. These include:
- Loose or Broken Brackets: A bracket that detaches from your tooth or the wire can cause discomfort and affect the alignment process.
- Poking Wires: A wire that protrudes and irritates the inside of your mouth can be painful and needs prompt care.
- Loose Bands: Bands that come loose can interfere with your treatment and may need replacement.
- Discomfort from Appliances: New appliances or adjustments can cause temporary discomfort that may need management.
- Lost Separators: Small rubber rings placed between teeth to create space may fall out prematurely, potentially delaying future steps in your treatment.
How to Manage Minor Issues at Home
It’s essential to see your orthodontist to address the underlying issue. While waiting for your appointment, there are temporary measures you can take to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
- Orthodontic Wax: Apply a small amount of wax over any protruding brackets or wires to reduce irritation.
- Salt Water Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe sore areas and reduce inflammation.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage discomfort.
Our Approach to Emergency Care
At Summit Family Orthodontics, we prioritize your comfort and the success of your treatment. Our approach includes:
- Same-Day Appointments: We offer same-day appointments for emergencies to address your concerns promptly.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Berchtold or Dr. Patil will thoroughly assess the issue to determine the best action.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor our solutions to your needs, ensuring effective and efficient care.
Advanced Technology for Fast and Effective Treatment
We utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of our emergency care:
- Digital X-Rays: Provide clear images to assess the situation without unnecessary radiation.
- Intraoral Scanners: Capture precise digital impressions for accurate diagnostics and treatment planning.
- Laser Dentistry: Allows for minimally invasive procedures with faster healing times.
Financing Your Emergency Orthodontics Care
We understand that unexpected orthodontic issues can be physically and financially stressful. To ease this burden, we offer flexible financing options:
- CareCredit: A healthcare credit card that offers promotional financing plans.
- Sunbit: Provides fast and easy financing with no hard credit check.
- Insurance: We accept most major insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits.
Preventing The Need for Emergency Orthodontics
We love seeing patients in any circumstance, but when it comes to emergencies, we’d rather help you avoid an office visit! While some issues are unavoidable, taking proactive steps can minimize the risk of emergencies:
- Regular Check-Ups: Attend all scheduled appointments to ensure your treatment progresses as planned.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent issues like cavities or gum disease that complicate treatment.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces or appliances.
