Emergency Care
Emergency Orthodontists in Salmon Creek, Cascade Park & Battle Ground, WA
Although rare, orthodontic emergencies do happen.
Our emergency orthodontics in Salmon Creek, Cascade Park, and Battle Ground, WA, are here when the unexpected happens. If you are experiencing pain from an orthodontic appliance or have a broken one that needs to be repaired or replaced, please call us today.
What is an Orthodontic Emergency?
- If you are experiencing pain, other than the initial soreness after starting a new treatment or getting braces, your appliance may need to be adjusted. Here are some common orthodontic emergencies we see in our office:
- General Soreness - While not an “emergency,” we certainly do not want you to be suffering. For general soreness, especially after you initially get your braces, you can try to alleviate the discomfort at home by doing a warm salt rinse. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water and gargle for 30 seconds.
- Broken, Poking, or Loose Wires - Wires can be pokey! If your wire is loose or broken, it can stab your gums or inner cheeks, causing a lot of discomfort. Give us a call if this happens to you. You can also temporarily solve this problem by placing a small bit of wax on the pokey part until you can get an appointment with us.
- Broken Brackets - If a bracket is completely broken or has fallen out, be sure to place it in a safe place, such as an envelope, and bring it with you to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Emergencies
What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks?
If a bracket or wire breaks, apply orthodontic wax to reduce irritation and call your orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule a repair. Avoid hard or sticky foods until it’s fixed.
Is a poking wire from the braces an emergency?
A poking wire isn’t a true emergency, but it can be very uncomfortable. Use wax, then contact your orthodontist for a quick fix appointment.
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
Severe pain, swelling, infection, or trauma to the face with braces are true orthodontic emergencies and require immediate attention from your orthodontist.
Should I go to the ER for an orthodontic emergency?
Most orthodontic emergencies can be handled by your orthodontist; only go to the ER if there is facial trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or signs of infection.
How can I fix broken braces at home temporarily?
Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges and keep any broken parts, then call our office to schedule a repair visit.
Don’t Wait in an Emergency
Even if your orthodontic emergency seems small, we want to hear from you. While at-home fixes can work well, they are only temporary solutions.
Give us a call or schedule an appointment as soon as you experience an orthodontic emergency!
Columbia Orthodontics proudly serves patients in Salmon Creek, Cascade Park, and Battle Ground, WA, with expert emergency orthodontic care.
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