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Orthodontic Emergencies

Home » Blog » Orthodontic Emergencies

When embarking on a journey to healthier, straighter teeth, it’s not uncommon to be apprehensive about orthodontic treatment. No matter if you choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign’s clear aligner system, it can take a while to get used to your “new normal.” Like every new experience, there is always a period of adjustment, but it’s nothing that should cause stress or worry!

One of the most frequent questions we are asked by new patients at Craig & Streight is if orthodontic treatment will be painful. When braces are first put on or when teeth start moving into their desired positions, it’s common to feel a bit of soreness or aching, but treatment should never be painful. However, although it’s rare, there are times when a real orthodontic emergency may occur.  

 

What constitutes a true orthodontic emergency?

Thankfully, there are only a few cases where this applies:

-Trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth

-Infection and/or swelling and/or bleeding of the gums, mouth, or face

-Intense discomfort or pain in these areas that haven’t responded to treatment

If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. We recommend contacting our office first, but if you feel you need to go to the emergency room instead, go there.

Are you unsure about what may constitute an ER-worthy situation versus something a little less urgent?

A fractured tooth is a good example of an orthodontic emergency which needs immediate diagnosis and treatment. Severe pain and swelling also need immediate attention as they can be an indicator of infection and disease. After your emergency has been attended to, your orthodontic treatment can be adjusted if needed.

At Craig & Streight, it’s our goal always to be available to our patients in case a dental emergency arises. If you are experiencing pain or if any part of your appliance is broken, make sure to get in touch with us so that we can assess what’s causing the pain and repair the appliance as quickly as possible. Fortunately, though, a lot orthodontic issues can be taken alleviated at home!

Now, that’s not to say that home remedies will work every time or completely cure the pain, discomfort, or irritation you may be feeling. We recommend that you always try to address and reduce the cause of pain first and then schedule an appointment with our office. However, while waiting for your appointment, the following strategies can help you remedy several minor issues. Just remember: even if you can ease the pain and discomfort caused by something like a broken or misaligned bracket or wire, you will still need to schedule a repair appointment.

 

Minor orthodontic emergencies

Here are a few common minor orthodontic “emergencies,” and how you can help relieve them at home:

Loose or broken brackets, bands, or wires

Kid playing with orthodontic wax

Sometimes pain is caused by a little “user error” by those who have braces. If you’ve been playing excessively with your braces or eating hard or sticky candy and food, it can cause issues with your brackets, bands, and wires. Issues can lead to extra time in your braces because potential breakage isn’t included in your estimated treatment time! Be sure to stick with your “safe foods” list and to follow all the guidelines we gave you.

If you have a band or bracket that’s broken and still attached to the wire, leave it alone until your appointment (don’t connect elastics to it!). If it’s irritating the inside of your mouth, you can cover the irritating offenders with orthodontic wax. If a broken piece has entirely come off, be sure to save it and bring it to your appointment. Even if the problem seems temporarily solved, be sure to call our office and let us know what’s going on so we can recommend the next steps you should take.

Out-of-place wire, bracket, or tie

As your teeth begin to adjust to treatment, they will start to move. The archwire connecting them may start poking out near the back of the mouth, and that can really irritate your cheeks. One way to remedy this is the use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to move the wire into a more comfortable position. If misplaced wires or ties are your issue, you can use a pair of tweezers to manipulate them into their original position.

Again, take care of the initial irritant and then be sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can fix the actual problem instead of just treating the symptoms.

General tooth pain or loosening

Even though it sounds frightening, it’s perfectly okay for teeth to loosen up slightly during orthodontic treatment. Think of it as proof they are moving in the direction we want them to. Unfortunately, this movement can make your mouth feel a bit tender, especially if you just had your braces put on or adjusted. An effective way to ease this tenderness is by using a salt water rinse twice per day. Combine one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water and then swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. You can place a heating pad or warm washcloth on the outside of your jaw for some additional relief. And over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen will help decrease tooth soreness.

A broken retainer

broken retainer

When the metal or plastic parts of retainers or other removable oral appliances bend and break, it can lead to an uncomfortable and improper fit. If this happens, stop wearing the retainer immediately and schedule an appointment with our office. If your retainer breaks or cracks, collect the pieces in a plastic bag and bring them with you to your next appointment. Sometimes we can repair a broken retainer if we have the original pieces.

A quick note about (gulp!) swallowed parts

At times, a patient may aspirate or swallow small orthodontic appliances. If you accidentally swallow any part of your braces, don’t panic; often it will pass through your digestive system without incident. However, if you have difficulty breathing or start choking, seek emergency help immediately.

Orthodontic emergencies with Craig & Streight

While true orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, they do happen from time-to-time, and it’s critical you seek treatment as quickly as possible. We know that any type of emergency situation is stressful, and we aim to make your orthodontic treatment experience as comfortable as possible. That’s why you can always reach a member of our experienced, compassionate team no matter the day and time for real emergencies.

We want making a better, more beautiful smile a comfortable experience so please contact us immediately if you are feeling any discomfort or pain. We will do everything we can to alleviate your discomfort and fix the problem as quickly as possible!

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Chuck K.
I've had nothing but the best-ever experience at CSO; from check-in to the clinics, the staff is all one one page, professional and SO very friendly. They're living the corporate ethos, and it shows! If you need orthodontics, it's CSO for me from now on!
Tiffany R.
The greatest staff and doctors! They made a challenging situation so much easier. Huge hearts, professional and went above and beyond. I’m so appreciative.
Response from the owner:Hi Tiffany. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to make a challenging situation more manageable for you. Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care, and it's heartwarming to know their efforts made a positive impact. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Vielje G.
Love the service, staffs are very friendly and approachable and always on point with their work.
Response from the owner:Hey Vielje. Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Providing friendly and attentive service is what we strive for, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the great work!
Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Response from the owner:Hi Kari. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family are so pleased with the care your children are receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and informative environment, and it’s great to know that their efforts are making a positive impact. We appreciate your trust in us!
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicole C.
We had such a great initial visit at C&S! My kids can’t wait to go back!!
Response from the owner:Hi Nicole. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a great first visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Melanie M.
Staff is always so kind, informative and they answer all the questions you may have. Both doctors are amazing and do not rush you out. They explain everything and take their time with each patient. They are a 10/10
Response from the owner:Hi Melanie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff and doctors made such a positive impact during your visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Teri J.
Great place! Everyone is friendly. Great experience for all 3 of my kids. They did awesome with my autistic son.
Response from the owner:Hi Teri. We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had such a positive experience with our team. Creating a welcoming environment for all families is our priority, and it’s heartening to know that your son felt supported. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you all again!
Jaidyn S.
Had a great experience! They were quick and helped me decide the best option for me!
Response from the owner:Hi Jaidyn. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you efficiently and help you find the best option. :)
Jessie W.
Easy to work with and very flexible with scheduling! Orthodontists and staff are very kind and thorough as well!
Response from the owner:Hey Jessie. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your experience smooth and accommodating. Your kind words about our staff and their thoroughness mean a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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Norman, OK 73069

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Mustang, OK 73064
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