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Emergency Orthodontist – Grayslake, IL

By Your Side Every Step of the Journey

As a rule of thumb, you should call us as soon as possible if you notice any severe or unusual pain related to your braces or orthodontic appliance. While orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, we will schedule your emergency appointment as soon as possible to stop your discomfort and keep your treatment plan on schedule. If you think that you’re experiencing an emergency, or if you want to learn more about our emergency services, call Grayslake Orthodontics or submit a consultation request online to visit our emergency orthodontist in Grayslake, IL today.

Young woman in pain before visiting her emergency orthodontist in Grayslake Illinois

Why Choose Grayslake Orthodontics for Orthodontic Emergencies?

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

Yong girl with braces flossing to prevent orthodontic emergencies

Accidents happen, but there are a few steps you can take to control the risk. Be sure to follow the care instructions we give you very carefully and perform thorough hygiene each day. Be sure to avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy, or chewy. When playing sports, always wear the right kind of safety gear and get an ADA-approved mouthguard that fits comfortably over braces.

Here is a list of foods to avoid.

Managing Orthodontic Emergencies

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True emergencies are very rare with orthodontics. But we are available to help when they do occur. As a general rule, you should call the orthodontic office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful problem that you are unable to handle yourself. We’ll get you in to resolve the problem.

Our after-hours phone line is (847) 268-8655. Be sure to leave a detailed message with a phone number where you can easily be reached.

You might be surprised to learn that you can temporarily resolve many issues with your braces and appliances at home. Here are some common examples of emergencies and how to solve for them:

Young woman experiencing pain related to orthodontics holding her cheek

Minor Pain & Irritation

It’s normal to feel a bit sore for the first couple days after an adjustment. Here are some steps to manage general soreness due to orthodontics:

  • Over-the-counter Tylenol (Acetaminophen). Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatories are fine pain killers, but they may slow down tooth movement. Dr. Ben prefers that you take Tylenol for orthodontic-related discomfort.
  • Salt water rinses. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Rinse for 30 seconds at least two times per day.
  • Place Orabase or Oragel on a specific area of discomfort. Those can be found at any pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, etc.).
  • Place wax over an uncomfortable area.
Closeup of smile with protruding braces wire

Poking/Protruding Wire

Utilize the eraser on a pencil to push the wire back into place. Alternatively, dry the area and then place wax over the poking wire to alleviate the discomfort.

Orthodontist repairing a loose braces bracket

Loose Bracket or Band

If the bracket or band is still on the wire, leave it in place and put wax on it if it’s uncomfortable. If the bracket has come out entirely, then wrap the bracket in a tissue and save it in a baggie until our next appointment.

Orthodontist fixing a loose braces wire

Loose Wire

Use a pair of tweezers to try to put the wire back in place. If unable to replace the wire and wax doesn’t help, then use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If that shorter wire is a bit uncomfortable, then place wax over the end.

Woman with braces eating an apple with peel stuck between teeth

Something Stuck in the Braces

Use dental floss, your toothbrush or a water flosser to try and dislodge an object that has become stuck in your braces.

Young girl with headgear in pain frowning

Headgear Irritation/Facemask Does Not Fit

Sometimes headgear or facemask discomfort is a product of incorrect use. Please refer to the instructions provided by our orthodontic office. If the facebow is bent, please contact our orthodontic office for assistance. Your headgear or facemask will get more comfortable the more it is worn. Be sure to get at least the twelve to fourteen hours of wear we have prescribed.

Young boy with loose palatal expander holding cheek

Loose Palatal Expander

A loose expander is an issue that you are unlikely to be able to address at home. Please stop turning the expander key and call our orthodontic office so we can address that issue quickly.

Closeup of smile with missing expander hole

Missing Expander Hole

If you are having trouble getting your key into the hole of the expander screw, you most likely did not complete your last turn. You will need to get the key into the hole you most recently used and push until the key stops near the back of your child’s mouth. Make sure you can see the next hole closer to the front of the mouth and remove the key without turning the screw backwards again (head toward the base of the tongue with the expander key).

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

orthodontic appliances on teeth

If something is loose or broken, please call during office hours. It’s best not to wait until your next appointment. Place any piece that comes off in an envelope and bring it with you.
Use this diagram to tell us what is loose or broken. In the unlikely case of discomfort that you cannot manage, we are available when you need us.

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