
Were you eating dinner when you suddenly felt a painful poke in your cheek from the wires of your braces coming loose? Are your braces causing pain that will not go away with over-the-counter medication? Maybe you fell and ended up breaking a band or bracket in your braces. If you experience persistent pain or have a part of your braces or dental appliance break, our experienced team at SmileWorks in New York City is here to help determine if you need emergency care, relieve your discomfort, and address the concern.
Navigating orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but with the right guidance, you can manage unexpected situations effectively. We approach each patient’s needs with care and precision, drawing on years of experience and advanced training in orthodontics. Our state-of-the-art technology, combined with a patient-first philosophy, ensures you feel supported even during challenging moments. Trust us to provide the clarity and solutions you need to keep your orthodontic journey on track.
What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?
While situations involving intense pain or injuries to the mouth are obvious emergencies, others are not always clear, making it challenging to determine if you need emergency care. According to the American Dental Association, a dental emergency is an issue that requires immediate attention. With orthodontics, these emergencies include the following:
- Broken or loose brackets: This common issue often occurs after eating hard or sticky food. While broken or loose brackets are not always a dire emergency, getting them fixed right away keeps your treatment on track.
- Poking wires: if you have braces and feel something poking the inside of your cheek, it may be a wire that has come loose. Our caring professionals can help put the wire back into place to prevent further irritation and ensure your treatment stays on schedule.
- Persistent pain or swelling: While mouth sores are normal as your mouth gets used to braces, when they don’t go away and remain swollen and painful, you may have an infection or injury that requires emergency care.
- Broken or lost retainers: Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining your smile after orthodontic treatment, so if you lost or broke your retainer, reach out to us right away to replace it and prevent your teeth from shifting.
At SmileWorks, we understand the panic you may feel in a potential emergency, so we work with you to determine the type of care you need and relieve your stress with our unmatched emergency services. With our commitment to patient comfort and extensive experience handling orthodontic emergencies, you can rest assured your smile is in the right hands.
How to Protect Your Oral Health in an Orthodontic Emergency
Whether you feel a wire poking your cheek or suffer an injury that affects your braces, it is not always easy to know if you have an orthodontic emergency. With the following steps, you can navigate your situation with less stress and more information about what’s best for your oral health:
Contact SmileWorks
Reaching out to SmileWorks immediately to discuss your situation allows you to understand if you have an emergency, how to manage it, and make an appointment to the care you need to resolve it.
Temporary Fixes
Before coming into our office for emergency care, you can use orthodontic wax to cover a loose wire or keep a bracket attached to your braces. Pencil erasers may also work over protruding wires. For pain and irritation, warm salt water and over-the-counter medications can help alleviate discomfort.
Get Emergency Treatment
When it’s time for your emergency appointment, our team will assess and address the situation by putting a wire back into place, fixing a broken bracket or band, or replacing a lost or broken retainer.
Early intervention and proactively seeking treatment can help alleviate pain and prevent future issues with your orthodontic treatment. With our well-trained team and state-of-the-art technology, you can better recognize an orthodontic emergency and have access to the high-quality care you need to have a smooth, stress-free orthodontic experience.
Have an Orthodontic Emergency in New York City? Contact the Trusted Team at SmileWorks to Get the Care You Need
Orthodontic emergencies can be unexpected and stressful, but we’re here to help you navigate them with ease. At SmileWorks, we pride ourselves on offering timely care tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s a broken bracket, a poking wire, or a lost retainer. Our skilled team uses advanced technology and a compassionate approach to minimize your discomfort and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
We’ve built a reputation for excellence by combining years of experience with cutting-edge tools. When you trust us with your care, you’re choosing a practice dedicated to your comfort and long-term oral health. Don’t let an orthodontic emergency disrupt your progress — contact SmileWorks today at (646) 722-1177 or reach out through our contact form.