Orthodontic Emergencies in Norwalk, CT
Most orthodontic problems are inconvenient rather than urgent. Here is how to tell the difference, and what to do in the meantime.
Most of These Are Not Emergencies
A broken bracket or a poking wire is uncomfortable, but it is usually a repair appointment rather than an urgent problem. Genuine emergencies involve trauma, significant swelling, severe pain, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If you are not sure which you are dealing with, call the office and describe what happened. We would rather you asked.
Appliance Problems and What to Do
Broken or Loose Bracket
Uncomfortable and worth telling us about, but rarely urgent. Leave it alone, keep the area clean, and call so we can schedule a repair.
Poking Wire
Often happens as teeth move. Orthodontic wax over the end helps until we see you. Do not cut a wire yourself.
Loose Band or Appliance
Keep any piece that comes off and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side until it is refitted.
Lost Aligner
Go back to your previous aligner if you still have it and call us. Do not skip ahead to the next one on your own.
About Clear Aligners →Lost or Broken Retainer
Teeth can shift quickly without retention, so call us promptly for a replacement.
About Retainers →General Soreness
Soreness after placement or an adjustment is common for a few days. If it is not settling, let us know.
When to Seek Care Straight Away
If there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a significant facial injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
Trauma to the Mouth or Face
An injury involving the teeth, jaws or an appliance should be assessed promptly, even if damage looks minor.
Emergency Dentistry →Knocked-Out or Displaced Tooth
A dental emergency. Contact us immediately rather than waiting for a routine visit.
What to Do →Significant Swelling or Severe Pain
Facial or gum swelling, or pain beyond the usual post-adjustment ache, needs to be looked at.
Swelling and Abscess →Trouble Breathing or Swallowing
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
What Not to Do
Do not cut, bend or remove a wire, bracket or appliance yourself. Do not use household tools on orthodontic hardware, and do not skip ahead to a later aligner to make up for a lost one.
Keep any piece that comes off and bring it with you. If something is rubbing, orthodontic wax over the spot is a reasonable short-term measure until we see you.
Orthodontic Emergencies FAQ
Usually not. It is inconvenient and should be repaired, but it rarely needs same-day attention. Call us and we will advise on timing.
Orthodontic wax over the end usually relieves it until we can see you. Do not cut or bend the wire yourself, as that can damage the appliance or cause injury.
Not on your own. Go back to your previous aligner if you have it, and call us so Dr. Kim can advise what to do next.
Contact us promptly so it can be assessed. If there is a knocked-out tooth, heavy bleeding, or any concern about the jaw, treat it as a dental emergency.
If there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a significant facial injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Sometimes slightly, depending on what happened and what needs repairing. Dr. Kim will tell you whether your timeline changes.
Something Not Right With Your Braces or Aligners?
Call us and we will tell you whether it needs attention today.