Orthodontic Emergencies in Salida, CO

At Relaxation Dental, we provide quick solutions for orthodontic emergencies, ensuring your treatment stays on track while minimizing discomfort.

If you’re experiencing pain, broken wires, loose brackets, or any other orthodontic issue, our team is here to help with same-day or next-day emergency appointments whenever possible.

What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?

Orthodontic emergencies involve braces, aligners, or orthodontic appliances causing pain, damage, or disruption to your treatment. Some common issues include:

• Loose or broken brackets
• Poking wires causing irritation
• Lost or broken retainers or aligners
• Severe discomfort or pain from braces or aligners
• Mouth sores or cuts from appliances
• Misaligned or shifting teeth due to broken appliances

If you're unsure whether your issue is an emergency, call us at 719-427-6340 for guidance.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies & How to Handle Them

1. Loose or Broken Bracket

Cause: Eating hard or sticky foods, accidental trauma.
What to Do:

• If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax.
• If it comes off completely, store it in a small container and bring it to your appointment.
• Call us to schedule a repair.

2. Poking or Protruding Wires

Cause: Wire shifting out of place.
What to Do:

• Use wax or a cotton ball to cover the sharp end.
• If comfortable, use clean nail clippers to trim the excess wire.
• Call us if discomfort persists.

3. Lost or Broken Retainer/Aligner

Cause: Misplacement, accidental breakage.
What to Do:

• If a retainer is lost, continue wearing the previous one (if available) to prevent teeth from shifting.
• If an aligner is damaged, move to the next set (if close to switching).
• Contact us immediately for a replacement to avoid disrupting treatment.

4. General Soreness from Braces or Aligners

Cause: Teeth shifting into position, new aligner trays, adjustments.
What to Do:

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
• Apply a cold compress for swelling or discomfort.
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation.
• Discomfort should lessen in a few days—if not, schedule a visit.

5. Mouth Sores or Irritation from Braces

Cause: Brackets or wires rubbing against cheeks and lips.
What to Do:

• Apply orthodontic wax over the irritating bracket or wire.
• Use warm salt water rinses to promote healing.
• Try over-the-counter numbing gel for relief.

6. Misaligned or Shifting Teeth Due to Broken Appliances

Cause: A broken or loose appliance (retainers, expanders, bite correctors).
What to Do:

• Stop wearing the appliance if it's damaged.
• Keep any broken pieces to bring to your appointment.
• Call us immediately for repair to prevent treatment delays.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Most orthodontic issues aren’t urgent, but seek emergency dental care if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medication.
• Swelling or infection in the gums, jaw, or face.
• Trauma or injury that damages teeth, braces, or the jaw.

For serious injuries, contact us or visit an emergency dentist or urgent care center as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

To reduce the risk of emergencies, follow these tips:

• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can break brackets or wires.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities.
• Follow retainer and aligner care instructions to prevent loss or breakage.
• Brush and floss carefully to avoid irritating the gums and brackets.
• Attend regular orthodontic checkups to ensure everything stays in place.

Taking these precautions will help keep your treatment on track and hassle-free.