Emergency Braces Care: We’re Here To Help

Orthodontic emergencies can catch anyone off guard. At Lincoln Orthodontics, our dedicated team is available – even after hours – to assist you with emergency braces care. If you or your child is experiencing intense pain associated with your braces, don’t hesitate to call or text us at (402) 489-8841. We provide expert guidance for emergency situations and offer support for non-emergency braces issues you can manage at home. Unsure if it’s a true braces emergency? This comprehensive guide will help you confidently take the right action.

Emergency Braces Care

If you swallow part of an orthodontic appliance, experience extreme tooth pain associated with your braces, or have sustained an injury to your mouth, call our office. We are here for you and will make sure you get the care you need or walk you through steps you can take first on your own. If it’s outside of our normal hours, follow the prompts on our after-hours care line and text our number, being sure to include photos. 

Swallowed Appliance

Accidentally swallowing part of your appliance can be alarming, though it’s rare. Stay calm and contact us immediately for guidance. We’ll help you to understand if you need urgent medical care to ensure it passes safely through your digestive system.

Tooth Trauma or Bleeding

Injuries to your mouth, teeth, jawbones, and gums are often caused by accidents or sports injuries. If you experience tooth trauma or bleeding, consult your general dentist first. They’ll address immediate concerns and guide you through the next steps. 

If the trauma is related to your braces, we’ll be able to help manage the issue and offer guidance for urgent care. If your retainer is broken or needs repair, for example, please call us to schedule an appointment. Our team will promptly address the issue, fixing any damaged areas or replacing the retainer to ensure you stay on track with your treatment. 

Managing Non-Emergency Situations

Some issues can be managed at home. Call us if you have any questions or concerns about the following problems:

• Poking metal/steel tie
  • Use a pencil eraser to tuck the pigtail end of the wire tie back under the wire. 
• Ligatures Loose
  • Use sterile tweezers to reposition a loose ligature (the rubber bands) on your braces. You might also want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Emily Willett at Lincoln Orthodontics for replacement, if the ligature remains loose. 
• Food Stuck Between Teeth
  • Knot dental floss and gently remove trapped food – it’s surprisingly effective! 
• Discomfort
  • Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Then, swish the mixture in your mouth to soothe the irritation. 
  • You should also opt for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
  • If the discomfort is very intense, taking ibuprofen or tylenol or whatever medicine you may take if you had a headache should alleviate the oral discomfort from braces or appliances.
• Mouth Sores
  • Apply topical anesthetic to soothe pesky mouth sores caused by braces.
• Protruding Wire/Irritated Cheeks
  • Push the wire flat against the tooth or use relief wax. We provide wax in our care kit, so this fix is easy peasy!

All braces care problems, while uncomfortable, are definitely manageable! Some problems can easily be resolved at home, and others may take expert intervention, but the experienced team at Lincoln Orthodontics is here for you with emergency braces care! Reach out to Dr. Willett, a board-certified Orthodontist at Lincoln Orthodontics, and we’ll ensure your smile stays on track.