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Emergency

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but we are happy to work through them with you if they do occur. Calling us right away can help us determine if you need immediate attention or if your complication can be fixed at your next appointment.

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Emergency

Complications with Orthodontic Appliances

Appliances that are broken or damaged can impede your orthodontic treatment if they aren’t addressed. Call our office if you experience loose bands or brackets, broken or poking wires, or sharp pain several weeks after braces. We will determine the urgency of the issue and schedule you for an appointment as necessary. Unless you experience sharp pain or severe discomfort, it is unlikely that you will have to come into our office immediately. Follow these tips to address common orthodontic problems at home until your next appointment:

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If a tie wire end is poking your mouth, cover it with wax. If irritation persists, try bending it under the archwire using a blunt object, such as the eraser end of a pencil.

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If a band or bracket becomes loose, call the office as soon as you notice. We will schedule you for an appointment to reattach the appliance, but the band or bracket can generally be left in place until then.
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If braces are rubbing against inner lips and cheeks or causing sore gums, swishing with warm salt water can soothe irritation. Mix one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water.
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The edges of clear aligners may poke gums and cause discomfort. If this occurs and orthodontic wax is insufficient, call us.
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To manage soreness after a braces adjustment, you can use TYLENOL®. NSAIDs, such as Advil and Motrin®, can negatively affect the orthodontic process by reducing inflammation.

Though true emergencies are uncommon, they can occur. Call our office if you experience the following:
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A broken archwire or an archwire that is poking the gum or cheek tissue needs quick attention. Call the office as soon as you notice a broken or poking wire for an appointment the next business day. Place wax over the irritating portion of the wire for relief in the meantime.
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A bent headgear facebow or an ill-fitting removable appliance should not be worn until it can be properly adjusted in our office. Call the office right away to have the facebow or removable appliance adjusted.
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If you lose your retainer or clear aligner tray, let us know as soon as possible so we can make you a replacement before your teeth shift.
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If your retainer or aligner tray is extremely tight or painful, do not force your teeth into place. Call us, and we will determine the next steps.

Whether you are concerned about mild discomfort or are experiencing an emergency, we are happy to assist you. You should call the office when you experience severe pain that you can’t take care of yourself, and we’ll schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

If you experience an emergency outside of our working hours, please contact our emergency number: (614) 885-2000

Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth

Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth

Dental injuries can be serious, so take whatever precautions you can to minimize your chance of harm. Athletes should always wear a protective mouth guard during activity. For athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment, custom braces-friendly mouth guards are available.

Go to the emergency dentist immediately if you incur severe injuries to the mouth and teeth. Your dentist will have the tools needed to deal with a tooth or teeth that have been fractured, moved from their place, or knocked out. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, call our office right after seeing the dentist so we can assess the damage and make any necessary adjustments or replacements to appliances.

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Phone

(614) 885-2000

Hours

8:00a - 5:00p
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday

7:30a - 4:30p
Wednesday

7:30a - 1:00p
Friday

Address

6641 N. High St. Suite 104
Worthington, Ohio 43085