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Emergency Orthodontics in Central Maryland
Orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and where to turn can make all the difference. While many unexpected orthodontic issues can be managed temporarily at home, it’s important to recognize when something more serious is happening.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, significant facial trauma, or profuse bleeding, please seek immediate care at an emergency room or contact your emergency dentist. For all other urgent orthodontic concerns, Labbe Family Orthodontics is here to help.
With over 45 years of experience and locations in Annapolis, Bowie, Greenbelt, and Crofton, our compassionate team is equipped to provide timely, expert care so that you stay on track with your treatment and feel better fast.
Minor Emergencies in Orthodontics and What To Do
While true orthodontic emergencies can happen, you’re more likely to experience minor issues involving your orthodontic appliance. Depending on the situation, you may be able to wait until your next scheduled appointment, or we’ll get you into our office as soon as possible to fix the issue.
Here are some of the most common minor orthodontic emergencies you might face, along with what you can do at home in the meantime:
Poking Wires
If a loose wire is poking your mouth, you can gently move it with clean tweezers or a cotton swab, or have a family member trim it with sterilized nail clippers. To reduce irritation, cover the spot with orthodontic wax until your next visit.
Loose Bracket, Wire, or Elastic Band
Loose brackets, wires, and elastic bands are often caused by eating sticky or hard foods like candy or brushing too vigorously. If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it as is. To prevent discomfort, cover the problem area using orthodontic wax.
Lost or Damaged Appliances
If you’ve lost or damaged your retainer, Invisalign® aligner, or other orthodontic appliance, contact us as soon as possible to avoid treatment delays. In the meantime, avoid forcing anything into place and keep any broken pieces. Our team will guide you on next steps and schedule a prompt repair or replacement appointment.
General Soreness or Discomfort
Mild soreness is normal during orthodontic treatment, and the good news is that it means your teeth are moving! To ease discomfort, try over-the-counter pain relievers, dental gel for sore spots, warm salt water rinses, or a heating pad on your jaw. If pain becomes severe or persistent, give us a call at (410) 267-7300.
Loose Appliances
As your teeth begin to shift, it isn’t uncommon for your orthodontic appliance to loosen or for your headgear to not fit as it once did. Since appliances need to fit snugly in order to do their job, you’ll need to contact us to have your appliance adjusted. While adjustments can cause minor discomfort, they help ensure your teeth fully shift into their ideal positions.
Preventing Minor Emergencies in Orthodontics
While some issues are unavoidable, many common orthodontic problems can be prevented with a little extra care. Here are a few simple tips to help keep your treatment on track:
- Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage brackets or wires
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
- Follow all care instructions for your appliances and aligners
- Keep your scheduled appointments to catch and fix small issues early
- Brush and floss carefully to prevent buildup around brackets
- Store retainers and aligners in their case when not in use to avoid loss or damage
Staying consistent with your care routine is one of the best ways to avoid unexpected orthodontic issues.If you’re ever unsure or notice something unusual, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist at Labbe Family Orthodontics. We’re here to help.
Count on Labbe Family Orthodontics When the Unexpected Happens
You don’t have to face orthodontic emergencies alone. At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing calm, expert care when you need it most. Whether it’s a poking wire, a lost retainer, or something that just doesn’t feel right, our friendly team is ready to help you get back on track with comfort, confidence, and care.
With four convenient locations, we’re proud to serve families throughout Central Maryland. No matter where you are in your treatment journey, you can trust us to be there when it matters most.
If you’re experiencing an orthodontic issue, don’t wait. Contact Labbe Family Orthodontics today and let us take care of your smile.