Emergency Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can happen. Whether it’s a loose bracket, a poking wire, or an injury to the mouth, knowing what to do can make you feel more comfortable until we can see you in our office. At Riolo Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through unexpected situations and make sure your treatment stays on track.
Emergencies Related to Braces and Appliances
During orthodontic treatment, appliances may occasionally become loose or damaged. While these situations are not usually serious, they should still be addressed in a timely manner to avoid delays in treatment.
If you experience a loose bracket, broken wire, or other issue, please call our office during patient hours so we can schedule an appointment. For the comfort of all our patients, we cannot accommodate walk-in emergency visits.
Here are some quick tips to keep you comfortable until your appointment:
Irritating tie wire – Place orthodontic wax over the area or gently tuck the wire under the archwire with a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab.
Loose band or bracket – Leave it in place if possible and call our office. We’ll schedule you for a repair if needed.
Broken or poking wire – Try to bend the wire back into place with a pencil eraser. If necessary, carefully trim the end with clean nail clippers. Call us if the issue continues.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
If you experience a direct injury, such as a hit to the face, a knocked-out tooth, or a fractured tooth, please follow these steps:
Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling.
Contact your general dentist first, as they have the tools and anesthesia needed for dental trauma. X-rays are often necessary to check the extent of damage.
Once your dentist has addressed the injury, call our office. If your braces or appliances have been displaced, we’ll repair or adjust them to keep your treatment moving forward.
Even if you’re not in active orthodontic care, an injury to the mouth should always be evaluated by a dental professional as soon as possible.
What to Do After Hours?
If an orthodontic emergency arises outside of office hours and you are in pain, please contact our office. Our after-hours message system will provide instructions and contact information for further assistance.
If you ever feel that your emergency is severe or life-threatening, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
When to Call Us?
Not sure if it’s an emergency? A good rule of thumb is to call if you’re unsure. It’s always better to check in than to risk prolonging discomfort or delaying your treatment. Common reasons patients contact us include:
Persistent pain or irritation from braces or wires
Loose or broken appliances
Mouth sores caused by rubbing brackets or wires
Concerns after dental trauma or injury
Our team will let you know whether the issue can be managed at home temporarily or if you need to come in for an appointment.
Your Comfort and Safety Come First
At Riolo Orthodontics, we understand that accidents and emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours. That’s why we provide clear instructions, same-week emergency appointments, and after-hours support when needed.
If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, please call our office right away. We’re here to keep your treatment comfortable, safe, and on track.
