Emergency Care

Orthodontic Emergencies

Occasionally, some patients will experience an injury to the mouth during treatment. Dental emergencies while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances generally fall into two categories.

Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances

Sometimes, appliances might be broken or bent during your orthodontic care. If there are any disturbances, such as loose bands, loose brackets, broken or poking wires, please call our office for an appointment during patient hours. For your convenience and the convenience of scheduled patients, it is not possible to handle emergencies on a walk in basis. In the meantime, here are some helpful hints to remedy some of the problems you may encounter until our office can see you.

If a tie wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with bees wax or tuck it under the arch wire with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen in our office. Call Race Orthodontics, during patient hours, when you notice a loose band or bracket. We will schedule you to reattach the loose appliance, if indicated.
A broken or poking archwire can often be bent in with a pencil eraser or cut with nail clippers. Call our office, during patient hours, if you do not feel the problem has been resolved properly.
Watch the video below that explains how to handle an orthodontic emergency.

Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth

Following a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, immediately ice the injured area and you should contact your regular dentist as soon as possible. Usually an x-ray of the involved tooth or teeth is needed to determine the extent of injury. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, it is best to contact your family dentist first, since we may not have the necessary materials or anesthesia required to treat these injuries. If the appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust the appliances as soon as possible, after you have seen your general dentist, depending upon the comfort level of the patient.

Orthodontist adjusting braces on patient at Race Orthodontics.

Reception desk with staff assisting patients at Race Orthodontics.

After Office Hours

If an orthodontic emergency arises where the patient is in pain after hours, please contact our office. Information is available regarding who to contact for further assistance.

What Our Patients Say

“I received a thorough exam for orthodontia from Dr Race and he found that I did not require treatment. I was impressed with the ethical manner in which he conducts his practice. My son did his corrective treatment with Dr Race and he was very pleased with the outcome.”

Laurie C

“I REALLY WISH I WOULD’VE FOUND THIS PLACE EARLIER!!❤️ All the staffs were very helpful, asked, and answered any questions or concerns I had! MADE ME FEEL VERY VERY COMFORTABLE, so sweet! I can’t wait for my next appointment !”

siworld

“Race Orthodontics is fantasic with both of our daughters! Both girls have unique teeth/mouths and we appreciate the expertise that Race has to offer! The doctors are amazing – the staff is always friendly and we love coming to our appointments!”

Jennifer Ryan

“Dr Kevin and Dr Danielle are amazing, and so is their staff. Very professional atmosphere, without lacking in genuine concern. Always looked forward to my next appointment and the result is unbelievable! I’m just disappointed that I didn’t decide to go sooner!”

Nicole Kafkas