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If you are going to have braces on your teeth for a year or two then the chances are you will likely experience some type of an orthodontic emergency in Temecula. You may be asking yourself, what is an orthodontic emergency? Can it wait until my next scheduled appointment? Where can I go for help? How do I contact Rucker Orthodontics? Understanding a little about orthodontic problems will help you reach a timely resolution. Our goal is to help you obtain the smile you deserve in the most comfortable and efficient way possible.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
The most common orthodontic emergencies are loose brackets and poking or broken wires. When these types of problems occur you may develop sores on your gums, tongue, or cheek. During this time, you can take some recommended measures to either help treat the pain or prevent the issue from progressing. Below are some common braces emergency remedies and tips! When something does not go as planned during your orthodontic treatment we are here to help
Loose Bracket:
The purpose of the braces is to act as handlebars to hold the wire, which together are required in straightening your teeth. While the braces are bonded to your teeth with strong adhesive and are meant to be tough, they can become loosened when you eat sticky or hard-to-chew foods. Brackets can also become loose if you endure an injury to the head or mouth. Be sure to talk to Dr. Rucker and his staff about using a mouthguard to give you valuable protection against sports-related injuries! Please contact our office immediately if you experience a loose bracket.
What to do:
If you have a loose bracket, it is recommended to keep them in place until you can be seen in our office. If the loose bracket is located in the back molars, attempt to carefully slide the bracket off the end of the wire and cover the exposed wire with orthodontic wax. Please save and bring the removed bracket with you to your emergency orthodontic appointment.
Wire Irritation:
Sometimes during your orthodontic treatment, you may experience wire irritation. This can cause symptoms such as discomfort, irritation or pain that can become unbearable if left untreated.
What to do:
When you or your child experience wire irritation, dry the irritated area with cotton or tissue, and then cover the wire with orthodontic wax until you can be seen in our office.
Sore Teeth:
If you’ve just recently had your braces bonded or wire changed, it will usually take around 2-4 days for the general soreness to subside. For some patients the tenderness in the teeth can last for a week or more, but if you feel that the soreness is becoming unbearable, schedule an immediate appointment with your orthodontist in Temecula, Dr. Rucker.
What to do:
If you are experiencing general soreness, it is recommended to take over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil, to ease the discomfort.
Contact Rucker Orthodontics for Orthodontic Emergencies
Contact our office immediately at 951-302-0685 so we can evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule accordingly. If you reach us after hours please send an email directly to Dr. Rucker at emergency@www.ruckerorthodontics.com and he will contact you within 24 hours.
NOTE: The author, Dr. Jonathan Rucker, is a certified specialist in orthodontics (Orthodontist). His private orthodontic practice, Rucker Orthodontics, is located in Temecula, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Brigham Young University, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Medical College of Virginia, and his orthodontic specialty training at Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education. He is a certified Damon Braces provider and a preferred Invisalign specialist. He offers the most advanced techniques available in modern orthodontic treatment to ensure his patients have a positive and memorable experience while giving them the best possible results.
