Dental Emergency Guide for Braces

If you are an orthodontic patient, a dental emergency falls into one of two categories. It is either the result of a direct injury to your face, teeth, or mouth, or it involves the breakage of your appliance. If an injury to your face or teeth occurs, you should always contact your dentist or seek care at a hospital emergency room immediately. An x-ray is often necessary to determine the extent of damage and to formulate a treatment plan. A broken or loose orthodontic appliance is usually not a dental emergency, but you should explain the situation to your orthodontist as soon as possible. 4 Emergency Dental Tips for Broken Orthodontic Appliances

1. To stop irritation from wires or brackets, cover them with orthodontic wax.
2. Call for an appointment to manage loose bands or brackets. If parts come off, take them with you.
3. A broken archwire, bent headgear, or poorly fitting removable appliance require professional adjustment. Call your orthodontist for specific advice.
4. Wires that poke the inside of cheeks can be clipped. Do not attempt this on your own; call your orthodontist for telephone assistance.

Dental Emergency Glossary for Orthodontic Patients If an accident or dental emergency occurs, it’s helpful to be familiar with the various parts of your appliance so you can clearly explain what happened to emergency dentists and orthodontists. Here is a list of definitions to help you better understand your appliance.

• A or P chain refers to the collection of colored elastic ligatures that connect all the braces and wires.
• Braces are the small brackets bonded to each of your teeth.
• Springs are the small coils that are used to close spaces.
• Bands are the metal rings placed around your back teeth to anchor archwires and attach neckgear.
• A retainer is made from plastic or acrylic and wire; they are removable devices that help hold your teeth in the finishing position. Permanent retainers are cemented into place.
• Crowns are caps made from stainless steel; they are fitted onto your molars for the Herbst orthodontic appliance.
• Archwires are the thin continuous wires that are attached to your brackets.

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