Braces are a big investment in your child’s well-being, one you try to help him take care of. But what if something goes wrong?
There aren’t too many big emergencies with braces, but there are some situations to watch for. These are the top three orthodontic emergencies we often see in our Marietta practice.
Broken Wires
No matter how hard you try to care for your braces, a wire has the potential to break or come loose. The result is a piece of wire that rubs your cheek or gums. Though it may cause a slight scratch in the tissue, the problem is easily remedied with a small piece of wax rolled and molded over the wire.
Bracket on the Loose
A loose bracket feels worse than it really is. This problem may also be fixed with a piece of wax over the bracket on the tooth until we can see you in our office. If the bracket comes off the tooth and the wire, remove it from your mouth, put it in a zip-top bag, and bring with you to East Cobb Orthodontics.
Down the Hatch!
Younger children with appliances are less aware of their body and less knowledgeable of what to do if something goes wrong. If you know or suspect a piece of a dental appliance has been swallowed, schedule an appointment to get it re-made. In very rare situations, a true emergency arises if the broken piece gets lodged in their airway; if this happens, take your child to the emergency room.
Regardless of your problem, after you “fix” it, call East Cobb Orthodontics and get the braces checked! You’ll be protecting your child’s smile and well-being.