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702 W Arapaho Rd Ste 102, Richardson, TX 75080 (972) 238-7101
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Emergency Orthodontist — Richardson, TX

Providing Help When You Need It Most

At Richardson Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can happen at any moment. Whether faced with loose braces or a bracket, or you have severe soft tissue irritation, Dr. Jones, Dr. Hanson and her team can work to remedy the problem and get you back to your daily routine. You should seek emergency care as soon as possible to prevent worsening conditions for your teeth, gums, and overall smile. When calling our office to alert us to your problem, we will work diligently to schedule your appointment at the earliest convenience. To learn more about what you can do to avoid these types of emergencies or how to treat them at home, spend some time reviewing this page, and don’t hesitate to contact us with additional questions.

Why Choose Richardson Orthodontics for Emergency Orthodontic Care?

  • Jones is a board-certified orthodontist
  • Same-day appointments are available
  • Patient safety and comfort are of utmost priority

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

  • Contact our office. If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, call us right away! We’ll schedule you at the earliest appointment possible, which will likely be that same day. Over the phone, we’ll provide first aid instructions to help you manage your situation in the meantime.
  • Schedule an emergency exam. During your appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough oral examination and get X-rays to identify the underlying problem. Using our findings, we’ll start working on a custom treatment plan.
  • Get the care you need. Our skilled and friendly team will work quickly to get your oral health back on track! Depending on your situation, you may need to see your regular dentist for emergency treatments.

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Although it’s always good to have your orthodontist on speed dial in case of an emergency, what should you do in the meantime to manage your situation? When you call us, our team will explain what you should do to take control of the incident while you wait to reach our office. Below, you can find tips on how to handle some of the most common orthodontic emergencies.

Keys to Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

A young woman sitting on her bed and holding her cheek in pain because of her braces

Knowing you have a professional who can help when faced with an orthodontic emergency is important, which is why our team at Richardson Orthodontics is happy to be here for you when you need us most. That said, it’s always best to try and avoid common orthodontic injuries when possible. A few ways you can do this include:

Prioritize Your Check-In Visits

Female patient smiling at dentist at dental appointment

Throughout your teeth-straightening journey – whether you have traditional braces or Invisalign – you’ll come to our office every so often so we can make sure your teeth are moving in accordance with your treatment plan. We’ll also examine the condition of your brackets, wires, attachments, aligners, or any other orthodontic appliances you have to make sure they aren’t broken or damaged in any way. This goes a long way in reducing your risk of experiencing a sudden (and potentially painful) orthodontic emergency.

Implement a Solid At-Home Oral Hygiene Regimen

Smiling patient with braces holding toothbrush

Remember, tooth pain, bleeding gums, and other abnormal dental symptoms require immediate attention as well. That’s one of the many reasons we encourage our patients to stick to a solid oral hygiene regimen before, during, and after their orthodontic treatment. That starts with brushing twice a day (which may require a bit more time if you have traditional braces). You should also floss and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash each evening to clean between your teeth and prevent plaque build-up.

Don’t Eat Anything Crunchy, Hard, or Sticky

Woman preparing healthy meal at home

Since foods like tortilla chips, peanut brittle, and caramel candies have the potential to break a bracket or wire, we strongly recommend avoiding them throughout your orthodontic treatment. It’s also a good idea to keep your consumption of sugary items to a minimum to help prevent cavities from developing. Instead, focus on eating foods that can aid your teeth and gums, like fresh fruits, lean proteins, and cooked vegetables.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

Mouthguard hanging from helmet

One way to protect your smile from harm (even if you don’t have braces) is to wear a mouthguard during sports. That way, you’re significantly less likely to sustain a serious dental injury, like a cracked tooth. If your current mouthguard doesn’t fit over your braces, then don’t hesitate to let us know. We can have a custom one made so that it protects both your teeth and your braces while you’re on the field, court, or mat.

Take Good Care of Your Retainer

Patient cleaning retainer with toothbrush

Lost and broken retainers are two common orthodontic emergencies. Fortunately, they can both be prevented relatively easily. First, we recommend keeping this orthodontic appliance in the same place when you aren’t wearing it, like a clean container on your nightstand. Second, clean it properly each morning and evening to help keep them in pristine condition and odor-free.

Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits

Woman biting her nails at home

Finally, make sure to avoid unhealthy dental habits since they can damage your teeth, your gums, and your braces. That includes biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, putting the back of your pen or pencil in your mouth, or using your teeth as tools to open things.

What Are the Best Ways to Care for Braces/Retainers at Home?

A dental professional using a specialized instrument to brush underneath wires effectively

There are ways you can take care of your braces at home when faced with certain scenarios. While not all instances require a visit to the emergency orthodontist, it doesn’t hurt to call and inform our staff of a problem you cannot fix or are too concerned to address while at home.

A few things you’ll want to remember are:

  • Flossing between the wire and tooth is crucial because food can become easily stuck, leading to possible cavities and tooth decay.
  • If you don’t feel as if your regular toothbrush is doing the job, ask about other products that are designed for patients with braces. Specialized toothbrushes are available and will benefit your smile while wearing metal brackets and wires.
  • Once you’ve reached the retainer phase of treatment, clean any food debris with your toothbrush and water. You may also want to soak it in a type of denture cleaner but be sure to rinse it well before reinserting it in your mouth.

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies

orthodontist treats pained patient

Just like you can’t really predict when an orthodontic emergency will strike, we can’t really give you a fair estimate of how much your emergency orthodontic treatment will cost until we see you in our office. After the team at Richardson Orthodontics assesses your condition, our orthodontist will be able to recommend appropriate treatments and provide you with a personalized cost estimate. We’ll make sure you understand the cost of your treatment before it begins, and we’ll do everything we can to make it as affordable as possible. It’s important to remember that ignoring an emergency can allow the situation to deteriorate further while also making more expensive treatments necessary or even causing serious damage. If you have any questions about these costs, please feel free to contact us online.

Every Orthodontic Emergency Is Different

model of teeth with braces

While it’s impossible to accurately predict overall costs until we can see you in the office, some orthodontic emergencies can be treated quickly and inexpensively. A dislodged bracket can easily be cemented back into place and a stray wire can be trimmed so it doesn’t poke into the lip or cheek. However, more serious issues such as a broken wire can take more time and money to address. Before we begin any emergency orthodontic treatments, we will make sure that you understand any associated costs and what they are paying for.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

people go over paperwork

Many dental insurance plans offer at least some coverage for orthodontic emergencies, but the details of what a policy covers can vary wildly from one plan to another. Since each policy is different, it’s important to understand what your insurance company offers as well as if any yearly maximums come into effect before committing to treatment. We accept plans from many insurance providers, and our team will be more than happy to assist you with getting the most out of your policy. If you’re particularly concerned about orthodontic emergencies, another option is to buy supplementary orthodontic insurance that covers emergency situations.

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergencies Affordable

receptionist smiles at patient

For many people, the out-of-pocket costs associated with orthodontic care can be daunting. Luckily, we offer in-house financing plans that break up your bill into smaller monthly payments that can be easily managed. If you’re interested in learning more, contact our office. Our team will gladly help you understand the associated terms as well as assist you through the process.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

lady with braces smiles

While orthodontic emergencies can certainly be stressful or even painful, they are not always inevitable. By practicing excellent oral hygiene, seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, and strictly complying with your orthodontic treatment, you can avoid painful emergencies that can cause significant delays in your treatment. This can also save you money on the associated restorative treatments like fillings, root canals, and crowns as well as the remedial orthodontic measures needed to keep your treatment on track.

Orthodontic Emergency FAQs

A young female wearing braces and having her orthodontist in Richardson review her smile

Knowing how to handle an emergency while undergoing orthodontic treatment is important. No matter the cause of your injury, being able to take the proper steps will help to minimize damage and improve your chances of successful treatment. Should you or your child experience a problem while wearing braces of any kind, or if you have questions about how to handle a particular dental injury, don’t hesitate to contact our office. To provide you with greater insight, our orthodontists Dr. Jones and Dr. Hanson, has compiled some of the most common questions asked by patients when it comes to orthodontic emergencies.

What constitutes an orthodontic emergency?

You should remember that soreness and tenderness are normal when receiving braces. It’s also a common occurrence each time a wire is tightened during a regular appointment. However, if you or your child begin to experience severe pain or discomfort that does not cease within a few days, or you have a broken or loose wire or bracket, it’s time to contact our office. The earlier you seek treatment, the greater the chances of avoiding a delay in treatment.

What should I do if an emergency occurs while I’m out of town?

Emergencies don’t just happen when you’re minutes away from your orthodontist, so if you’re traveling, make sure to google “orthodontist near me” should a problem arise. If it does, get to their office for immediate treatment but make sure to call and alert us to the situation. Once you return, we will likely want to examine your braces to ensure no further treatment is necessary.

Will insurance cover the cost of an orthodontic emergency?

This is dependent upon your individual insurance company. Because each policy is different, you will need to review your plan to determine if there are any exclusions or stipulations. If you would prefer, a member of our team will be happy to work on your behalf to help you get the answers you need. But no matter if your insurance company agrees to cover your treatment, you should never forgo emergency orthodontic assistance. Not only can you face a severe delay, but you can also encounter additional time and money spent to fix the issue.

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Toothache  

Is a Toothache an Emergency? Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you’ll feel some soreness as your teeth move closer and closer to their ideal positions. Oftentimes, this sensation is very similar to a toothache, which causes patients to panic. Since there’s a good chance that it’s simply the result of your teeth moving, see if your symptoms subside within the next day or two. If they don’t, then call our Richardson orthodontic office.

How You Should Handle Toothaches There are a few ways you can temporarily alleviate your discomfort at home. The first is rinsing periodically with warm saltwater, which will reduce puffiness. The second is sipping on cold water or using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time to soothe inflammation. The third is taking OTC pain medication (as directed on the label). Of course, if the root of the problem is tooth decay or something similar, then a visit to your dentist’s office is also in order.

Loose Bracket  

Is a Loose Bracket an Emergency? If one of your brackets is loose, then you should absolutely contact our Richardson orthodontic team ASAP. Remember, every part of your braces plays an important role in guiding your teeth into proper alignment. So, if something breaks, it’s possible for your teeth to start moving in the wrong direction. We need to intervene with the necessary care before that happens.

How You Should Handle a Loose Bracket We mentioned an important step above: contact us to explain your situation and schedule an exam with our emergency orthodontist in Richardson. Until your appointment, avoid anything that could make the situation worse, like eating crunchy, hard, or sticky foods. We also recommend covering the bracket with some dental wax to prevent the sharp edges from irritating your gums, lips, and tongue.

Broken Wire  

Is a Broken Wire an Emergency? A broken wire is absolutely an orthodontic emergency. Like a broken bracket, it has the potential to negatively impact your treatment plan. Plus, it’s possible for the wire to cut the soft tissue in your mouth, which requires a visit to the ER if it’s severe enough. Simply put, a broken wire – even if it seems small – is something that warrants an immediate call to our office.

How You Should Handle a Broken Wire In addition to calling us to schedule an appointment, we recommend covering the wire with dental wax to protect your gums, lips, and tongue. Additionally, stick to soft foods like plain yogurt, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. If you’re in pain, you can take an OTC pain reliever too (making sure to follow the directions on the label).

Protruding/Poking Wire

Is a poking or protruding wire an emergency? Your braces wires should stay firmly in place throughout your treatment. However, if you notice that a wire is sticking out and poking your gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips, then you should take action. If you cannot resolve a poking wire right away with the tips below, then please give us a call. We will want to see you right away to prevent any damage to your mouth and mitigate any obstacles for your treatment.

How you should handle a poking or protruding wire: Gently adjust the wire with a Q-tip or the eraser of a pencil. Try to push the wire so that it’s flat up against the tooth. If you need to, you can place a small bit of orthodontic wax on the tip of the wire to stop it from uncomfortably poking into the soft tissues of your mouth.

Mouth Sores or Irritation

Are mouth sores or irritation an emergency? Feeling some soreness after your braces are initially placed on your teeth is very common and nothing to worry about. Additionally, biting pressure may be difficult for three to five days. Surrounding structures like your lips, your tongue, and your cheeks may also experience some irritation until they become accustomed to the new presence. Typically, mouth sores and irritation are not considered an orthodontic emergency unless there is an infected sore, the pain seems to be getting worse, or there are signs of infection, such as fever or fatigue.

How you should handle mouth sores or irritation: There are several ways to combat mouth soreness with braces. Rinse out your mouth frequently with salt water to clear away bacteria and bring down inflammation. You can also apply an ice pack or enjoy cold foods and drinks to numb the discomfort and ease swelling. If needed, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever until we can see you.

Lost or Broken Ligature

Is a lost or broken ligature an emergency?  Ligatures are more commonly known as rubber bands, which hold the wire against the bracket in order to apply force to your teeth. If one or more of them is damaged or pops off, it’s important to address it right away to keep your treatment on track. If you still have your intact ligature, you likely don’t have an orthodontic emergency. However, if you can’t find your ligature or if it’s damaged, then you should call us right away.

How you should handle a broken ligature:  If you still have your undamaged ligature, you can try to place it back in its original position with sterilized tweezers. Should you find yourself losing ligatures often, you should contact us for a follow-up appointment. If you cannot manage to put the ligature back into place, or if your ligature is lost or damaged, make sure to call us right away. Without the ligature, your wire may poke out into your gums or cheeks. You can gently push it back into place with a cotton swab or cover it with dental wax.

Cut Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue

Is a cut lip, cheek, or tongue an emergency? A cut to your soft tissues could be an emergency depending on its severity. Minor cuts or sores caused by your brackets or wires is a common occurrence that can be handled at home. However, if you sustained a serious injury perhaps while playing sports or in an accident, you should call us immediately. If you experience bleeding that doesn’t stop within 10-15 minutes, go directly to your local emergency room.

How you should handle a cut lip, cheek, or tongue: First, rinse your mouth out with warm saltwater to clean the area. Place a wet washcloth or piece of gauze over the injury and press down to stop the bleeding. Consider covering the nearby parts of your braces with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. Once bleeding has stopped, you can use an ice pack or over-the-counter pain relievers to numb discomfort and bring down swelling.

Something Stuck Between Teeth

Is having something stuck between the teeth an emergency? During orthodontic treatment, it’s common for patients to get food stuck between their teeth and braces. Since it can cause pain and increase your risk of oral health problems, you should remove the debris right away. If you can’t get it out on your own, don’t hesitate to give our team a call for assistance.

How you should handle something stuck between your teeth: Carefully rinse your mouth with warm water to dislodge the debris. If that doesn’t work, use dental floss to gently remove the stuck item. Tools like a threader, pick, or interdental brush are helpful for patients with braces. You should avoid using a sharp object like a toothpick because you may accidentally harm your soft oral tissues.

Broken/Lost Aligner or Retainer

Is a broken or lost aligner or retainer an emergency? Not necessarily! However, you should still seek treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk getting off track and delaying your treatment timeline. Be sure to contact us within a few days of the incident to avoid these issues.

How you should handle a broken or lost aligner or retainer: Do not wear a broken aligner! It can move your teeth into the wrong positions. If you’ve lost your aligner, you can look for it by retracing your steps and checking countertops, between couch cushions, in the trash, in your purse, and in your pockets. Give us a call and explain your situation. Over the phone, we’ll explain whether or not you should move on to your next set of aligners or if it’s best to order a replacement.

Loose Teeth

Are loose teeth an emergency? Because your teeth are changing positions, it’s normal for them to feel slightly loose. However, they should never feel loose to the point you’re concerned they’ll fall out. That could be a sign of gum disease, which means you’ll need to seek treatment right away.

How you should handle loose teeth: If you have loose teeth, don’t play or overuse them as it could worsen your situation. Stay on top of your oral hygiene routine to ward off any harmful bacteria that could be weakening the tissue. You can also contact our office and explain your situation if you're worried. We’ll take X-rays to assess the health of your jawbone and determine which treatment method will get your oral health back on the right track.