In Case of Emergency
Real orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can occasionally happen.
If it does, here are directions on how to handle an orthodontic emergency.
We’re Here to Help You
We’re here to help our patients in Newmarket, Aurora, Bradford, East Gwillimbury, and the surrounding areas. Listed below, read about orthodontic emergencies and their treatment solutions. You’ll find them in order of severity from least to most severe.
You only need to contact Dr. Miller for the most severe of emergencies.
Food Stuck In Your Teeth
This may feel awkward, but it’s not an emergency. Use dental floss for an easy fix.
First, tie a knot in the middle of the floss so you can get the food out from between your braces and your teeth.
Or, you can even try a toothpick or even an interproximal brush.
If Your Ligatures Come Off
Ligatures are the fine small wires or tiny rubber bands that hold your braces bracket to the wire.
If you have a rubber ligature pop off, try using sterile tweezers to place it back. If your ligature is made of wire, use sterilized tweezers to remove it.
If a wire ligature isn’t loose but is poking into your lip, use a pencil eraser or Q-tip to bend it back down to stop sticking into your lip. If you have one ligature break or pop off, you may have others do the same. Look at all your ligatures carefully and let the office know if any are broken or missing.
If you find that you have a lost wire or rubber ligature, inform us to hear your next steps.
Discomfort
You may feel some discomfort for several days after you have a braces adjustment.
This is normal and it’ll only last a short time. If it’s uncomfortable to eat, choose soft foods and use warm salt water to rinse your mouth.
Sores In Your Mouth
If you do have a mouth sore, braces can rubbing against it can irritate the sore and make the discomfort worse.
You might see sores on your tongue, cheeks or lips. We understand this can be really uncomfortable, but thankfully it’s not an emergency.
Apply a little topical anesthetic ointment (like Ora-Gel or Orabase) right on the sore with a Q-tip,