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1328 Broadway, Denison, IA 51442 (712) 263-3252

Orthodontic Emergencies — Denison, IA

Get the Orthodontic Care You Need, FAST

Girl experiencing an orthodontic emergency in Denison

Do you know how to handle an orthodontic emergency? No one ever expects to break a braces wire, loosen a bracket, or misplace a clear aligner, but life is full of surprises. If you find yourself in an orthodontic emergency, it’s essential that you are seen by an orthodontist right away in order to keep your treatment on track. Fortunately, you can get the orthodontic care you need fast when you call 32 & U Family Dental & Orthodontic Arts! We do everything we can to see emergency orthodontic patients right away, and our talented team will walk you through basic first-aid over the phone as well. If you or a loved one is experiencing an orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!

Why Choose 32 & U Family Dental & Orthodontic Arts for Emergency Orthodontic Care?

  • Dr. Bygness Has Been Serving Denison Since 1997
  • Wide Variety of Services All Offered Under One Roof
  • We’ll See You As Quickly As Possible

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

Patient visiting her Denison emergency orthodontist for care
  • Step 1: Call us as soon as you can. Orthodontic emergencies need to be treated promptly, even if they’re not causing you a lot of pain. That’s why you should call us right away! We’ll get you on our schedule as quickly as possible and walk you through what to do to manage your situation until you can reach us.
  • Step 2: See us for your emergency exam. When you arrive for your appointment, your emergency dentist Dr. Bygness will see you right away. If you’re in any pain, he’ll first work to alleviate it. Then, he’ll evaluate your situation and explain what he recommends doing to address your emergency.
  • Step 3: Get the care you need. Once you’ve agreed to a treatment plan, we’ll get to work fixing up your smile! In many cases, we’ll be able to fix your broken braces or aligners right away. Sometimes, we may need to offer a temporary solution while a new part is made. If there is an underlying dental emergency, such as a tooth infection or enamel damage, we’ll need to address that first. Whatever treatment you need, our team will be with you every step of the way.

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Some orthodontic emergencies are scary and alarming, while others seem like a minor inconvenience. However, regardless of their severity, all orthodontic emergencies need to be addressed right away to ensure your treatment stays on track. If you are unsure if your situation requires urgent care, give us a call anyway. We’ll either help you correct your situation over the phone or instruct you to come in for an appointment and professional assistance. Below, you’ll find important information about some important information about the most common orthodontic emergencies we treat.

Understanding the Cost of Treating Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies can occur for many reasons, but treating them promptly is essential

Unfortunately, because each orthodontic emergency is different from the next, it is difficult to determine how much your emergency will cost until we can see you in person. Once we’ve evaluated your situation, we can recommend which treatments are right for you and can give you a detailed estimate of costs.

Rest assured that you will always know the price of your treatment before it begins, and we’re happy to work with you to make it as affordable as possible. Compared to other medical emergencies, visiting the dentist for an emergency procedure is relatively affordable. Be aware that avoiding the care you need can often end up costing you much more time and money in the long run and can potentially cause permanent or serious damage.

Every Orthodontic Emergency Is Different

Every orthodontic emergency is different and could cost differently to treat

It is unfortunately impossible to predict the overall cost of your treatment until we can see you in person and determine the root cause of the problem. Some orthodontic emergencies can be effectively treated with a quick, simple, and inexpensive solution. However, others may need more complex treatment which comes with other associated costs. However, we will always review all your treatment options with you before beginning.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

Dental emergencies may be covered by your dental insurance

Most dental insurance plans do offer some form of coverage for dental emergencies; however, each plan is different, and yearly maximums can come into effect, so it’s very important to confirm your coverage with your provider before committing to treatment. Our team will be happy to assist you with this process as well.

It is also important to remember that preventive care such as routine dental check-ups and cleanings is usually covered at 100% by most dental insurance plans, because attending these appointments is the easiest way to prevent dental emergencies in the first place.

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergencies Affordable

Flexible financing may help break up the cost of your emergency dental care

In addition to welcoming dental insurance, 32 & You Family Dental & Orthodontic Arts is proud to accept a variety of other financial options to make your emergency orthodontic treatment more affordable. These include:

  • Our in-house membership plan is the perfect solution for patients who do not have dental insurance. It offers valuable discounts on preventive care. To learn more about the benefits of this coverage, please contact our office.
  • Flexible financing through preferred lenders Cherry and CareCredit can break up the cost of your emergency orthodontic care into flexible, low-to-no interest monthly payments that are better suited to your budget.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save Your Money

Taking care of your smile can save you money on emergency costs

While some orthodontic emergencies are unavoidable accidents, many can occur due to unchecked infection or damage. Investing in routine dental appointments and a good at-home oral hygiene routine can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the years.

Thus, once you are aware of dental pain or a damaged tooth, be sure to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Even if you’re worried about the potential expense, it’s important to remember that these costs will only grow larger the longer you wait to treat them.

Be sure to follow your orthodontic treatment guidelines and pay close attention to the restrictions and your treatment plan. This can help lower your risk of emergencies and keep your orthodontic treatment on track for success!

Keys to Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

Lady smiles with braces?

It’s always better to prevent orthodontic emergencies than to treat them as they pop up. The best way to minimize your chances of experiencing an orthodontic emergency is to strictly adhere to your treatment plan, which includes refraining from certain foods and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene regimen. Here’s a brief list of tips that can save you from the hassle and treatment delays that accompany orthodontic emergencies, but please contact our office if you have any questions.

Keep Up with Your Orthodontic Checkups

Orthodontist smiles?

Even if everything seems to be going well, regular orthodontic checkups are crucial to keeping your treatment on track. These appointments allow Dr. Bygness to monitor the health of your teeth and evaluate the state of your orthodontic appliances so that any issues can be corrected and the treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. This can prevent dental emergencies as well as unnecessary complications that can delay treatment.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Hand reaches for toothbrush?

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to preventing food debris from becoming stuck in your braces as well as keeping your clear aligners odor-free. If bacteria are allowed to accumulate on your appliance, they can lead to oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay, and treating these issues can lead to significant treatment delays. To keep your smile and orthodontic appliances in great shape, we’ll recommend the proper tools such as specialized toothbrushes, flossing appliances, or mouthwash.

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Salad?

The body needs a healthy diet to prevent infections and heal properly as the teeth are shifted into new positions during orthodontic treatment. If you wear braces, take care not to eat or drink anything crunchy, chewy, sticky, or darkly colored, as these items can cause stains or dislodge your appliances. If you wear clear aligners, remember to remove them before meals, as they are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing.

Wear a Mouthguard

Dentist shows mouthguard to patient?

If you wear braces or clear aligners and play sports, you’re going to need a high-quality, custom-made, orthodontic-specific mouthguard to protect your teeth and your orthodontic appliances from injury. If you grind your teeth at night while wearing an orthodontic appliance, a specialized nightguard can protect your teeth and keep your treatment on track.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Bottle opener

Using one’s teeth to open packages or chew on non-food objects has led to countless dental and orthodontic emergencies. Never idly chew on items like ice, writing utensils, paperclips, or toothpicks, and use the appropriate tool when opening bottles or packages. Given that many bottle-opener keychains can last for more than a decade and are sold for about $1.75 at many gas stations and convenience stores, getting one may be an excellent investment in your oral health.

Toothaches

Is a Toothache an Emergency? While dental discomfort is completely normal after having your braces either put on or adjusted, consistent toothaches in Denison are a dental emergency and must be promptly addressed. Without fast care, you may find yourself at a higher risk of needing a tooth extraction. However, if we’re able to catch and treat the issue earlier, root canal therapy can help salvage your natural tooth.

How You Should Handle a Toothache: First, see if your toothache or discomfort is caused by lodged debris between your teeth. You can do so by rinsing with salt water and gently flossing around the affected tooth. If this doesn’t work, call our office immediately to schedule a treatment. To address swelling and pain, you can place a cold compress on the outside of your face for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for up to an hour. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Loose Bracket

Is a Loose Bracket or Wire an Emergency? Loose brackets in Denison are considered orthodontic emergencies because without addressing the situation right away, it could damage your soft oral tissues or set back your treatment.

How You Should Handle a Loose Bracket or Wire: In this situation, call our office right away so we can schedule an appointment for you. If the bracket is still connected to your archwire, you can attempt to gently push it back towards its proper position, being sure not to force it. Place orthodontic wax over the bracket to keep it in place. If the bracket can be easily removed, do so and bring it to your appointment.

Broken Wire

Is a Broken Bracket or Wire an Emergency? Your archwire is a crucial component to your orthodontic appliance because it applies a gentle amount of pressure to your teeth to get them to shift. If it breaks, this tension will no longer be placed on your teeth, halting your treatment entirely. The same goes with broken brackets! To ensure you get your braces journey back on track, you’ll want to call our office immediately so we can fix the issue.

How You Should Handle a Broken Bracket or Wire: Don’t try fixing a broken wire or bracket at home, as this could damage other parts of your orthodontic appliance or your teeth. The best step to take is to call our office. Our team will provide you with over-the-phone first aid guidance to make sure no additional harm comes to your smile. In certain circumstances, this can mean gently pushing the wire into a safe position within your mouth or covering it with orthodontic wax so it doesn’t scratch or damage your oral tissue.

Poking Wire

Is a Poking or Protruding Wire an Emergency? If you have a protruding wire that pokes the tender tissues inside your mouth, you could develop a painful sore spot that makes eating and speaking uncomfortable. Furthermore, it can become infected by bacteria in your mouth if it’s not treated appropriately.

How You Should Handle A Poking or Protruding Wire: Use a Q-tip or clean pencil eraser to gently move the wire back into place. Then, carefully apply a small amount of orthodontic wax or sugarless gum over the end of the wire to protect your cheeks, lips, and tongue. When you visit, we can re-examine it and make any adjustments as needed to ensure your braces are working as intended.

Mouth Sores

Are Mouth Sores or Irritation an Emergency? It’s normal to have some tenderness and mouth sores when your braces are new, because the tissues inside your mouth haven’t yet become desensitized to the metal brackets. These typically heal within a few weeks, allowing you to feel much more comfortable. If you notice signs of an infection, please call us for an appointment.

How You Should Handle Mouth Sores or Irritation: Contact us immediately if it doesn’t seem to be healing at all or progressively worsens. We’ll examine your mouth to verify infection, provide appropriate treatments, and discuss ways to help you avoid repeat occurrences.

Broken Ligature

Is a Broken Ligature an Emergency? Ligatures are the rubber bands holding your archwire to the brackets on your teeth. Eating overly hard foods or chewing inanimate objects, like ice or pen caps, can cause one or two to snap or pop off. However, if several or all fall off at once, there may be an underlying problem that we need to address.

How You Should Handle a Broken Ligature: Call our office, and we’ll discuss your scenario and provide appropriate instructions based on your input. For instance, you may need to adjust your eating habits or hold them in place with wax until your scheduled appointment time.

Soft Tissue Cuts

Is a Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue an Emergency? Athletes or those who participate in team sports or close-contact activities are vulnerable to sustaining injuries to their faces that can hurt their teeth and gums. If you’ve been hit by someone or something, the metal brackets can easily lacerate the soft tissues in your mouth.

These types of cuts tend to bleed but aren’t always urgent, and we can assist you in stitching the wound closed. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes or grows heavier, you should head to the closest emergency room.

How You Should Handle a Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue: Gently cleanse the area with a wet washcloth or by rinsing your mouth with clean water or warm salt water. Then, apply a clean cloth or folded gauze to the site and apply firm but gentle pressure. If you’re in pain, it’s usually safe to take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol. You can also try applying a cold compress to that side of your face for 15 minutes at a time for a temporary numbing sensation.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Is Having Something Stuck Between the Teeth an Emergency? Whether you have traditional braces or you have several attachments with clear aligners, you might find that food gets caught between your teeth more often. Fortunately, it can usually be removed with a few simple steps (which we will touch on below). However, if the debris is firmly in place or is causing you serious discomfort, you shouldn’t hesitate to give our Denison dental office a call.

How You Should Handle Something Stuck Between the Teeth Many patients often reach for a toothpick, tweezers, or something else sharp first. Unfortunately, sharp objects can push the debris further into position, increasing your discomfort in the process. Plus, wooden toothpicks can break off in your mouth or be deadly if swallowed. That’s why we recommend taking a different approach: rinsing with warm saltwater before flossing gently between your teeth. If that doesn’t work, then give us a call.

Broken or Lost Retainer

Is a Broken/Lost Aligner or Retainer an Emergency? A broken/lost retainer or aligner is considered an orthodontic emergency. That’s because both of these orthodontic devices serve a very important purpose and, if you aren’t wearing them as instructed, your teeth can begin to move in the wrong direction. The best thing to do if you find yourself in this situation is to call us so we can begin the process of repairing or replacing yours.

How You Should Handle a Broken or Lost Aligner/Retainer We always recommend calling us so we can learn more about your specific situation and determine what the next best steps are. For example, if you lost one of your aligners, then we may ask you to wear your previous set while a replacement is made. If your retainer has a small, hairline crack, then we will likely recommend continuing to wear it with the utmost care and coming to our office within the next day or two so we can repair it.

Loose Teeth

Are Loose Teeth an Emergency? During the teeth-straightening process, it’s normal for your teeth to feel loose from time to time. As a result, emergency care isn’t usually warranted. Of course, there are some exceptions. For instance, if one or more of your teeth feel like they are on the brink of falling out, then you should call us ASAP to schedule an appointment.

How You Should Handle Loose Teeth Avoiding crunchy and sticky foods (i.e., peanut butter, apples, popcorn) is a great first step. Instead, eat softer foods, like plain yogurt, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. As we mentioned above, you should call us right away if one of your teeth feels like it is so loose that it could fall out.