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Emergency Orthodontist – Webster, MA

How to Effectively Care For Braces-Related Emergencies

From severe tooth pain to soft tissue cuts, dental-related injuries can be painful, anxiety-inducing and inconvenient. Fortunately, orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, which means you will likely get through your entire treatment without ever experiencing one. However, it is best to be prepared, so that if one does arise, you can swiftly leap into action. With this in mind, keep reading to learn how to effectively care for braces-related emergencies. If you’d prefer to speak directly with our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Closeup of girl struggling with tooth pain

Why Choose Simply Orthodontics For Emergency Orthodontic Care?

How To Handle an Orthodontic Emergency

Orthodontist examining patient's braces

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Whether your orthodontic emergency is relatively minor or one that results in immense pain, it is important to remember that all braces-related injuries require a visit to your orthodontist. Neglecting to seek care when the issue first arises can result in further damage, delaying your treatment timeline significantly. That being said, there are a few actions you can take at home to protect your teeth and gums until your appointment!

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies

Webster orthodontist smiling with patient in reflection

It’s natural to have questions about how much you’ll spend to address an orthodontic emergency; however, there’s no “set” cost for these situations, since each one is inherently a little different. When you arrive for your appointment, we will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate based on our findings. From dental insurance and flexible financing to our Preferred Plan, we’re committed to finding an option that fits within your budget and ensures that your treatment is kept right on track. Don’t hesitate to contact our office with any questions!

Every Orthodontic Emergency Is Different

A patient with braces suffering from a toothache

In a perfect world, we’d be able to tell you exactly how much it would cost to treat your situation as soon as you call – but in truth, there’s no way for us to know what’s involved until our expert team has had the chance to look firsthand at your smile. That said, what we can tell you is that some urgent situations end up requiring simple, inexpensive solutions, such as covering up bothersome brackets or wires with orthodontic wax until your next appointment. However, more severe situations, such as broken braces or retainers, may require more complex or involved procedures that increase the amount owed. In any and all cases, we’ll walk you through every treatment option and their costs before proceeding.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

A patient filling out a dental insurance form

Many insurance providers include some form of coverage for orthodontic emergencies, but since each plan differs, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the details of your plan so you’ll know for certain if a situation is covered. In a lot of cases, there will be a deductible that needs to have been met before your services kick in, or in other cases, there might be restrictions over what’s covered. If you’re unable to determine what your plan covers on your own, call our office and we’ll get to the bottom of it with you!

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergencies More Affordable

A patient comparing orthodontic treatments

We believe that your oral health is an absolute priority, and the last thing we want is for concerns about cost to come between you and getting your smile the help it needs. For patients who lack dental insurance, we’re excited to offer third-party financing through CareCredit. They work with patients to find budget-friendly payment solutions for various forms of treatment, including orthodontic emergency care. We also offer a Preferred Plan which can help make up for the cost of certain emergencies, like lost or worn-out retainers!

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

A patient receiving orthodontic treatment

While some orthodontic emergencies are unpredictable, unavoidable, and beyond your control, others can be prevented. For one, keeping up with your routine appointments will lessen the likelihood of you suffering an emergency that sets your treatment back. Likewise, maintaining excellent oral hygiene will reduce the chances of cavities or gum disease forming and causing issues. You should also avoid overly hard or sugary foods that don’t mesh well with orthodontic treatment. You’re always welcome to contact us for additional information about maintaining your orthodontic treatment and avoiding potential emergencies!

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

Girl smiling while looking at braces in mirror

While accidents aren’t entirely avoidable, many braces-related emergencies are preventable. With this in mind, make sure to abide by the below best practices throughout your treatment:

If you have any further questions about orthodontic emergencies or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!

Orthodontic Emergency FAQs

Will my toothache go away on its own?

Normally, the answer is “no.” However, it’s common for discomfort to arise from time-to-time during the teeth-straightening process. So, there’s a chance that your toothache will go away as your teeth adjust to the pressure from your braces. That said, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to us if the sensation seems to be getting worse or is present in tandem with other abnormal dental symptoms, like bleeding gums.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

As we mentioned above, some tooth pain is to be expected during your orthodontic treatment. The good news is that it’s only temporary, and there are several ways you can alleviate it even sooner. The first is sticking to soft foods, like applesauce, yogurt, and oatmeal. The second is sipping on cool water to help provide a slight numbing sensation and soothe any inflammation. The third is taking OTC pain medication as directed on the label.

Should I visit the emergency room first for orthodontic emergencies?

Since hospitals don’t usually have dentists or orthodontists on-staff, it’s only recommended if you’re experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms (i.e., severe swelling, uncontrollable bleeding, trouble swallowing). If your bracket is loose, a wire is out of place, or you can’t find your retainer, then your first call should be to our office. Once we know a little more about your situation, we can schedule a time for you to come in, hopefully the same day!

What should I keep in my emergency dentistry kit?

Just like you have a First-Aid kit for cuts and other injuries, you should have an emergency dentistry kit for damage to the teeth and gums. If you don’t have one already, then fill up a backpack or small container with the following:

  • Dental wax
  • Additional orthodontic supplies, like rubber bands
  • Sterile gloves (ideally nitrile)
  • Gauze pads and dressings
  • Cotton balls
  • Dental cement (or other temporary filling material)
  • Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen
  • Topical anesthetic such as Orajel or a similar product
  • Floss
  • Ice pack

We also recommend keeping our phone number and address in this kit so that it’s easily accessible should you need it.

Are toothpicks safe to use?

Toothpicks can be used, but only with the utmost caution. After all, accidentally swallowing one can be deadly. That’s why we always recommend taking a different approach. First, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (this will help loosen the debris). Then, use pre-threaded floss or a water flosser to remove the debris.

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