Are you experiencing issues with your orthodontic treatment? Learning to manage soreness and discomfort is normal with orthodontic treatment of any kind. This is especially true for the first few days after an orthodontic adjustment or use of a new Invisalign® aligner as your teeth begin to shift into a new position. However, there are a few situations that could signal an orthodontic emergency that require professional treatment as soon as possible. If you believe you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency, contact our orthodontist in Miami right away so you can have your situation evaluated and treated.
What is an Orthodontic Emergency?
Although orthodontic emergencies are rare, they’re not entirely uncommon. When emergencies do occur, they will need to be treated at once to avoid further complications. Emergency situations that may occur include:
- Trauma or injury to the face, mouth, or teeth, especially if the orthodontic appliances are affected.
- Signs of infection, including swelling, excessive sensitivity to cold or when biting, and/or fever.
- Severe pain or discomfort that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
If you experience any of these issues, we encourage you to call us at 305-842-2592 to make an appointment with our orthodontist right away.
Treating Orthodontic Issues at Home
Whether you have traditional braces or Invisalign®, many orthodontic issues can be treated or managed at home. Pain and discomfort can typically be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin or by applying an ice pack as necessary. Here are a few of the issues that can come up and some tips for dealing with them at home.
Traditional Braces
- Poking wires and rough brackets can often be covered with orthodontic wax to protect your cheek and gums and minimize discomfort.
- Loose wires or brackets may be adjusted for more comfort or moved back into place using tweezers, pliers, or the eraser end of a pencil.
Invisalign®
Although typically comfortable to wear and easy to use, some patients may experience issues such as these with their Invisalign® aligners:
- If you find your aligners difficult to remove, try swishing warm water around in your mouth, like mouthwash, which may help loosen them enough to remove.
- If you lose or break your aligners, you should wear your previous aligners so your teeth don’t shift out of place and lose any progress and let us know so that a replacement can be made.
Contact Our Orthodontist in Miami
If you have tried to treat your orthodontic issue at home but are still experiencing pain or discomfort, or you have a broken appliance, contact the Center for Invisible Orthodontics to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Grussmark, has been straightening smiles for more than 30 years and has been using Invisalign since it was introduced in 1999. Whether your problem is simple or complex, our Miami dentist has the experience to treat your smile and help alleviate discomfort.