Orthodontic Emergency

Dr. Yeong-charng Yen and the orthodontic team at Pittsburgh Orthodontic Clinic work hard to provide effective yet comfortable orthodontic care to patients at Pittsburgh Orthodontic Clinic. Whether you are looking to straighten teeth with braces, InCognito or Invisalign, we create unique treatment plans for each patient, designed to correct his or her individual orthodontic needs. While emergency situations involving orthodontics are rare, our orthodontist is here to provide you with the assistance you need.

Glossary for orthodontic appliance

What to Do in Case of a Braces Emergency

Call our office as soon as possible if you break any of your appliances. Please do not come directly to the office- by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you and fix the appliance. If you have a regular appointment coming up, you should still call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.

You may be able to solve many issues of problems at home by yourself before your scheduled repair appointment. These problems need not cause delay in your treatment. If you run into any of the events below, follow the steps that we have provided:

Braces and Wires

If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, wax or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Contact our office immediately. (Loose or broken appliance that do not bother the child usually do not require emergency attention.)

Loose Band or Bracket

If a bond or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If the loose bracket or band is uncomfortable, you can place wax on it to prevent irritation. If it comes out completely, wrap the brace or bracket in tissue and bring it to your next appointment.

Loose Wire

Try to place the wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If there is any discomfort, place wax on it.

Poking Wire

Try to push the sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If that is not possible, place wax on the end of the poking wire.

Lost Tie wire or Elastic Tie

Notify us at your next appointment.

Soreness

Use warm saltwater rinses and/or Tylenol, or Ibuprofen to lessen the soreness.

Headgear Does Not Fit

Sometimes, headgear might seem like it doesn’t fit because it is not being worn as prescribed. If the facebow is bent, call our office at once.

If you feel you are unable to handle a problem on your own, please call us as soon as possible. One of our orthodontic team members will assist you and schedule an emergency appointment.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you have any questions about an emergency situation you may be experiencing, we are happy to answer them for you. Our orthodontist and their staff do their best to remedy every emergency situation with care and comfort. To make an appointment with Pittsburgh Orthodontic Clinic, please feel free to contact us. We appreciate your business and hope to see you soon!