True orthodontic emergencies are very rare. However, from time to time, emergencies do occur when people are wearing braces or appliances. Some emergencies are more serious than others. How can you tell? Senestraro Family Orthodontics would like to give you information on what to do in case of an emergency. In almost all cases, you can make yourself or your child comfortable on your own and then call during business hours to make an appointment to come in at your convenience.
The Guide to Handling Orthodontic Emergencies will help you manage most issues with your braces. Please use youtube to help you get comfortable if something breaks. There are excellent videos on just about every orthodontic emergency subject imaginable. YouTube videos are especially helpful for issues with your Forsus springs.
Accidents
Accidents come in all shapes and sizes. However, some accidents are more serious than others. If you are involved in trauma and you receive facial injuries resulting in severely loose teeth or brackets and wires that are severely bent you need to call us right away. That way, we can assess if anything was damaged or broken and make the right plan going forward.
Pain
When people first get braces or appliances, it is normal to have some pain. It is also normal to experience pain when braces get tightened at an appointment. The pain should go away in 3-5 days. You can help the pain by taking anti-inflammatories, and by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water three times a day, and by using wax to cover pokey wires and brackets. Some people experience more pain than others and adults in braces experience more pain than kids. If you are in severe pain contact us so we can help determine what might be causing your pain. Dr. Seth is always happy to see you in person if you are having severe pain.
Tips for Wire Clip Braces
Tips on Forsus Spring Out
Loose Brackets or Wires
Nearly everyone has something loosen on their appliances or their braces at some point in treatment. In general most loose brackets and wires are not true emergencies and you can follow our guide to make you comfortable until you can make it into the office for a comfort visit. If you are wearing an appliance, and it is poking you, put wax on the area that you are having a problem with. Then give us a call so you can come in and see us.
If a bracket comes loose, and it is still attached to the wire, you can leave it in place, and then make an appointment to come in. If a bracket comes off entirely and is lost or swallowed don't worry, just call during business hours and schedule an appointment or come to your regular appointment and we will evaluate it at that time. Having a bracket off for a few days will not effect your treatment negatively.
If you have a loose wire that has pulled out the back bracket use some tweezers to replace the wire. If you cannot get the wire to cooperate back in the bracket and it is not causing you discomfort just wait till your next regular appointment and we will fix it for you! If the wire is uncomfortable find a tooth where the wire is attached securely, clip the wire behind that bracket and remove the clipped end of the wire from the mouth. If there is a part of the clipped wire that is poking you, cover the poking wire part with wax. If the loose wire is poking you, you can place wax there as well. However, if the poking is severe, and wax does not help, give us a call and we can help.
If you have questions about orthodontic emergencies, don't hesitate to call Senestraro Family Orthodontics immediately. We can always be reached at (503) 228-1945.
If you have an after hours or weekend emergency Dr. Seth can be reached on his personal cell 707-407-7050.
Please only use this line for true emergencies. You can use the guide above along with YouTube videos to make yourself feel comfortable until you are able to make it in for an appointment. However, if you are experiencing facial trauma with extremely wiggly teeth, displaced or lost teeth, severely bent wires or brackets stuck in gums or lips, then please call Dr. Seth immediately.
Emergency Orthodontic Care | Senestraro Family Orthodontics - Portland OR While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, Senestraro Family Orthodontics would like to give you information on what to do in case of an emergency. Senestraro Family Orthodontics, 5216 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206-6150 | (503) 228-1945 | woodstock.senestrarofamilyortho.com | 5/29/2023 | Key Phrases: Orthodontist Portland OR
True orthodontic emergencies are very rare. However, from time to time, emergencies do occur when people are wearing braces or appliances. Some emergencies are more serious than others. How can you tell? Senestraro Family Orthodontics would like to give you information on what to do in case of an emergency. In almost all cases, you can make yourself or your child comfortable on your own and then call during business hours to make an appointment to come in at your convenience.