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Webster (585) 872-4660 1110 Crosspointe Ln, Suite B,
Webster, NY 14580
Rochester (585) 730-7700 2300 Buffalo Rd, Suite 400C,
Rochester, NY 14624

Emergency Orthodontist — Rochester, NY | Webster, NY

Need Help Now? We Have You Covered!

In an ideal world, a patient would begin their orthodontic treatment and we would only see them for their routine adjustment appointments every six to twelve weeks. Before you know it, orthodontic treatment is done – nice and easy. Of course, as we all know, life often gets in the way of anything that is supposed to be “nice and easy.” Orthodontic emergencies can happen to people of all ages during treatment. Should our patients ever need help with a pressing problem, we are ready to provide it. If you or your child have an urgent orthodontic emergency in Rochester, just call or text us at (585) 750-0960 . We will work to resolve the orthodontic emergency as quickly as possible, even if that means scheduling you for a same-day appointment.

Why Choose Drabik Orthodontics for Emergency Orthodontic Care?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Orthodontist with More than 20 Years of Experience
  • Kind, Friendly, and Highly-Skilled Team

 

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

A woman with braces touching her teeth

Perhaps you haven’t had an orthodontic emergency before. Well, don’t panic; our team will guide you through how to proceed. To that end, follow the three steps below:

 

  • Call Our Office: Though most orthodontic emergencies aren’t worrisome, give our office a call. One of our experienced team members can tell you how to handle the situation. For instance, they might suggest using dental wax, rinsing with salt water, wearing new aligners, taking pain relievers, etc. If you don’t already know what to do, then, call us!
  • See Us for a Visit: If your issue isn’t fixable over the phone, we’ll invite you to visit us. Based on your emergency’s severity, that might mean a same-day appointment, the next-soonest availability, or your routine orthodontic visit.
  • Get Needed Care: Rest assured, we quickly, easily, and affordably treat orthodontic emergencies in Webster; you’re in good hands. Take note, however, that you may need a follow-up visit if new appliance parts must be ordered. Furthermore, if your emergency stems from underlying health issues or involves tooth damage, we may refer you to a general dentist. (If your jaw is broken or dislocated, please go directly to your local ER.)

 

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Admittedly, orthodontic emergencies aren’t that common. They still happen, though, so you should seek qualified help if you’re in pain or worried. Just managing things at home can negatively impact your treatment. In contrast, an orthodontist is well-equipped to deal with damaged braces or aligners. More specifically, you can trust them to get your appliance back on track!

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies 

A model tooth and golden coins on a balancing scale on blue background

Perhaps you’re worried that orthodontic emergency care is too pricey. After all, a procedure won’t help if it exceeds your budget! In truth, though, no two orthodontic emergencies are exactly alike. You’ll thus have to consult our team for an exact treatment estimate. At that time, we’ll perform an oral exam to learn about your issue and its associated costs. From there, we could accept payment from various dental insurance providers. We also offer free orthodontic consultations and flexible financing through Lending Club.

 

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

A pleased girl with braces taking a selfie

Not all orthodontic emergencies are, in fact, preventable. Even so, there are some ways to greatly reduce your risk of facing one. Given that fact, try following these practices in the future:

  • Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with fluoridated mouthwash often.
  • Don’t chew foods that could break a bracket or wire. (Popcorn, nuts, hard candies, etc.)
  • Attend follow-up orthodontic visits, which let our team monitor your braces and oral health.
  • Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, as these can cause tooth decay.
  • Avoid poor oral habits, especially ice-chewing and nail-biting.
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Toothache

Is a Toothache an Emergency? As your teeth are moving into their properly aligned positions, some soreness is to be expected. There are, however, certain warning signs that your toothache necessitates immediate treatment. A few examples include: pain that’s lasted longer than 24 hours, severe discoloration on the problematic tooth, and symptoms of an infection, such as a fever.

How You Should Handle Toothaches If you are experiencing any of the above (or other abnormal dental symptoms), then we highly recommend rinsing your mouth with saltwater, placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed. These are just short-term solutions, but they can help keep you comfortable until your dentist pinpoints the root of the problem. After they’ve treated your tooth, schedule an appointment with our team so we can get your orthodontic treatment back on track.

Loose Bracket or Wire

Is a Loose Bracket or Wire an Emergency? If part of your braces becomes loose, then you should call our team right away. Although you may not be in any pain, this type of orthodontic emergency in Gates can result in your teeth shifting out of position. Furthermore, there is potential for harm to your teeth and gums if you accidentally bite down on the loose bracket or wire. So, this definitely warrants a call to our office.

How You Should Handle a Loose Bracket or Wire If your bracket or wire is slightly out of place, then you can gently move it. However, you shouldn’t force it – this can result in a serious scratch! If you can’t move it, then cover any sharp edges with a piece of dental wax or sugarless gum. That way, your lips, gums, and tongue are protected from a soft tissue injury until we have the opportunity to fix your braces.

Broken Bracket or Wire

Is a Broken Bracket or Wire an Emergency? Yes, it is! Like a loose bracket or wire, a broken one can negatively impact the movement of your teeth. Plus, there is always the additional risk of a serious soft tissue injury. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with our team as soon as you can. From there, we can learn more about your situation and determine the best time for you to come in for treatment.

How You Should Handle a Broken Bracket or Wire Although it may be tempting, it’s crucial that you don’t try to fix your broken bracket or wire at home. Not only can this damage your braces, but it can result in delays to your treatment plan as well as a dental injury. We recommend simply covering any sharp edges with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum and calling us for a same-day appointment. Important note: if you have your broken bracket or wire, place it in a small, clean container and bring it with you to your appointment.

Protruding/Poking Wire  

Is a Poking or Protruding Wire an Emergency? It is! Mainly because the wire can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth and lead to an infection. So, don’t wait to call our Rochester orthodontist.

How You Should Handle A Poking or Protruding Wire You can use a Q-tip or clean pencil eraser to gently guide the wire back into position. Whether you are able to move it or not, we recommend covering the sharp edge with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts to your tongue, lips, and the other soft tissues in your mouth. When you arrive at our orthodontic office near North Chili, we will secure the wire back in place to ensure that no further harm is done.

Mouth Sores/Irritation  

Are Mouth Sores or Irritation an Emergency? Irritation is common for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially at the beginning. Fortunately, this side effect is typically short-lived. Plus, there are several measures you can take to alleviate discomfort and protect your tongue, lips, and the insides of your cheeks in the meantime.

How You Should Handle Mouth Sores or Irritation Rinsing periodically with a mixture of salt and warm water is a great place to start. This will help alleviate puffiness while simultaneously preventing an infection. We also recommend placing dental wax over any sharp edges of your braces. If the sores in your mouth don’t seem to be healing or are getting more painful, then call our team right away.

Broken Ligature  

Is a Broken Ligature an Emergency? Ligatures (the elastics that hold your wire in place) can oftentimes be reattached at home if they fall off. If they break entirely, however, then you should call us right away so we can fix it and get your treatment plan back on track.

How You Should Handle a Broken Ligature First, call our office and explain your situation to one of our knowledgeable team members. They can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to handle this orthodontic emergency at home. Oftentimes, the best thing to do is come into our office so one of our talented orthodontists near Churchville can safely and carefully fix your braces.

Cut Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue  

Is a Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue an Emergency? Soft tissue injuries often bleed a lot, which can be alarming. However, the bleeding usually stops within 10 minutes of applying pressure. If that’s not the case, then head to the nearest ER for medical attention.

How You Should Handle a Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue The first step is rinsing the cut thoroughly with clean water. Next, use a wet washcloth, piece of gauze, or tissue to apply pressure. Once the bleeding stops, place a cold compress against the area to alleviate puffiness and irritation.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Broken or Lost Retainer

Loose Teeth