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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Use dental floss, your toothbrush or a water flosser to try and dislodge an object that has become stuck in your braces.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Fortunately, most orthodontic emergencies can be effectively treated at home, so you likely won’t have to visit an emergency room.
That said, you should go to the ER immediately if:
If your bracket is loose or is temporarily being held together with orthodontic wax, it is best to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that could dislodge the bracket entirely. Until we’re able to recement the bracket, stick to soft options like yogurt, soup, and cooked noodles. You may also want to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Not at all. There are several problems with using superglue instead of orthodontic wax when you need an adhesive. For example:
Orthodontic wax, meanwhile, is specially formulated to be effective and safe when used in the mouth.
Regardless of whether you have braces or not, we wouldn’t recommend using a toothpick as a floss alternative. They can make the problem worse by pushing the food debris further between your teeth or under the gumline. Toothpicks have even been known to splinter off and become stuck in oral tissue, as well as damage teeth and braces.
Your oral health won’t necessarily be in jeopardy if you lose an invisible or clear aligner, but it is best to address the issue as soon as possible. The longer you go without an aligner, the more likely it is for your teeth to slide back out of place. Depending on the severity of the movement, your treatment timeline could become prolonged.
If you can’t find your aligner after an hour or more of searching, call your emergency orthodontist in Grayslake!
