Orthodontic Emergencies - Cedar Hill, TX
Broken Bracket? Poking Wire?
We Can Help!
99.9% of our patients don’t experience any bumps along the road towards their straighter and more attractive smiles, but for those who do encounter an orthodontic emergency along the way, Dr. Valant and his team are more than ready to help and do so quickly. If you or your child is having any issues with an orthodontic appliance or their braces, whether it is causing pain or has been damaged in an accident, give our office a call. We will help you over the phone and schedule an appointment to see you right away if necessary, ensuring your treatment stays on track.
Why Choose John R. Valant, DDS, MSD for Orthodontic Emergencies?
- 30+ Years of Experience Providing Orthodontic Care for Cedar Hill
- Happy to Help Children, Teens, & Adults
- Same-Day Appointments Available for Emergencies
Orthodontic Problems & Emergencies
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if one occurs, we will be available to you. Please call our office if you are experiencing severe pain that you cannot resolve yourself, and we will set up a time to help you with the problem.
Loose or Poking Wires
Using the eraser end of a pencil, push the wire down to move it away from your cheeks, or cover the end with wax. If the eraser or wax does not work, try to clip the end of the wire with a fingernail clipper and cover the end with a small amount of wax. Sometimes, a wire end can be tucked back into a comfortable position with the end of a spoon. If you need help with your issue, please contact our orthodontic office for further help.
Traumatic Facial Injury
Should a patient’s face and jaw become injured, either due to a sporting or motor vehicle accident, and it’s suspected that some bones may be broken, they should first seek out care from the nearest Emergency Room. Only after a patient has been seen by a doctor and the extent of their injury is fully understood, should our office be contacted. We can work alongside a patient’s other doctors to ensure they experience a fast recovery and have minimal disruption to their orthodontic treatment.
Loose Bracket or Band
If a bracket comes loose and is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax. If the brackets come off the wire completely, just put it in a baggie and bring it with you. Give our office a call, and we will schedule an appointment for you right away. Above all else, do not attempt to repair the broken bracket yourself, as this could lead to even more issues with your problems.
General Soreness
When you first get your braces, you may feel general soreness in your teeth and mouth for 3 to 5 days. You may take over the counter pain relievers such as Advil, Tylenol, or whatever you take for headaches. Your lips and cheeks may also become sore as you adjust to the braces. We will give you wax to help you with this. Pinch off a small piece (about the size of a pea) rub it in your fingers until it is soft, then flatten the wax, and place it on the bracket that's bothering you. If you have any questions, please contact us today!
If You are Out of Town or Away
Orthodontic emergencies can happen when you least expect them, including when you or your family are out of town and far away from your trusted orthodontist! Should you encounter a broken bracket or poking wire while on the road, please give our office a call. We can instruct you on how to handle the situation to reduce any pain and avoid further problems until you can return home and reach our office.