Emergency Orthodontic Care in Apollo Beach, FL
An orthodontic emergency can cause pain and discomfort as well as threaten your overall oral health. South Shore Orthodontics has a team of highly experienced emergency orthodontists who offer fast, compassionate care. Don’t waste time if you are suffering from loose brackets, a broken wire, something stuck in your teeth or gums, or other emergencies. We can quickly assess the situation, provide pain relief, and get you the treatment you need. Call us now to get emergency orthodontic care in Apollo Beach, FL.
What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is any orthodontia issue that is causing you major pain or discomfort, or that could damage your teeth, gums, tongue, or orthodontic appliance. If you have any doubt as to whether you’re experiencing an emergency, just call our team. We will ask you some questions to evaluate the situation and then either tell you to come in, schedule a regular orthodontic appointment, or refer you to an urgent care center or emergency room.
Common Conditions Requiring Orthodontic Emergency Care
We treat a wide range of urgent issues, from injuries to the gums and tongue caused by orthodontic appliances to lost or damaged appliances. Minor issues can wait for a routine appointment, but some situations are serious enough to warrant an immediate visit to our office. The most common conditions that require orthodontic emergency care are:
- Broken wires
- Loose or lost brackets
- Broken or lost retainers
- Broken or loose ligatures
- Severe or worsening pain
- Swelling and redness around the braces or teeth
- Fever combined with tooth and/or gum pain
- Trauma to the teeth, jaw, face, or soft tissues in the mouth
- Damaged dental appliances
Home Remedies While You Wait to See an Emergency Orthodontist
While you wait to see our team, or if you have to wait for a routine orthodontic appointment, there are a few remedies you can use at home for pain relief. When you call our office, we will give you instructions on how to relieve pain, reduce swelling, manage bleeding, address infection, or handle other common issues.
Some common home remedies you can use for the relief of pain, inflammation, or swelling are:
- Rinsing your mouth out with warm salt water every 30-45 minutes
- Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water
- Taking ibuprofen or naproxen
- Using a cold compress or ice pack
- Putting a wet, cold tea bag over the bleeding area to slow bleeding
For other common emergencies, we recommend:
- Broken or Loose Wires – Gently reposition or cover with gauze or cotton.
- Loose Brackets – Remove (if possible) or leave alone until further instruction.
- Soft-tissue Injuries – Rinse with warm salt water and apply gauze or a wet tea bag for 15 minutes.
- Objects Caught in Teeth or Braces – Gently try to remove with floss or a small brush.
- Facial Trauma – Contact us right away or visit the ER for immediate care, if necessary.
When & Why to Seek Immediate Orthodontic Urgent Care
Our emergency orthodontists have undergone extensive education and training in order to provide the highest level of care. We can thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and condition and make sure you get the care you need to relieve pain and prevent serious complications. You should seek immediate care if:
- You are experiencing severe pain or pain that worsens despite home remedies.
- You have a fever and swelling or inflammation of the cheeks, gums, or tongue.
- You have serious facial bruising or oral bleeding.
- Your braces wires or brackets are broken and protruding into your gums, tongue, or cheek.
- You’re having trouble eating, speaking, or breathing.
- Your gums are red and inflamed.
Tips for Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
The best way to avoid having to visit an emergency orthodontist is to be proactive about caring for your oral health. Here are our tips for preventing orthodontic emergencies:
- Brush twice per day and floss at least once per day.
- Use recommended tools that are safe for braces.
- Avoid eating hard, sticky foods.
- Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sugary foods and drinks.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Wear a night guard or your retainer to bed as recommended.
- Avoid chewing ice, biting your nails, chewing on pens or pencils, or using your teeth to open packages.
- Visit us regularly for scheduled check-ups.
- Clean and maintain your orthodontic appliances as recommended.
Call Now to Schedule an Emergency Orthodontic Visit
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are in pain or think you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency. We can help you determine whether you need to come in for an emergency orthodontic visit. Our team at South Shore Orthodontics is skilled, experienced, and compassionate and will do everything possible to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We will quickly evaluate the situation and determine the safest and most effective treatment for you. Call now to schedule emergency orthodontic care in Apollo Beach, FL.