Emergency Care

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While most concerns can wait until our Brookings, Aberdeen, Milbank, Sioux Falls, or Watertown orthodontic offices re-open, we know emergency situations do happen. Reviewing the suggestions for some common issues below could save you some time and prevent added discomfort – maybe even saving you an extra trip to the office.

If you have questions or concerns that cannot wait until regular business hours, please call our office number and you will be directed to the assistant on call. These messages are checked on a regular basis and are typically returned within a short period of time.

In the case of broken brackets or appliances, please call our office as soon as possible. This will allow us to determine if we can build in time for repair at your next scheduled appointment (and save your family a trip into the office) or if we need to see you immediately to ease pain or repair sooner and schedule the appropriate amount of time for your care.

Common Orthodontic Problems

Loose Teeth

If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position.

Broken Brackets

A broken bracket will affect the outcome of your treatment. Please contact our office as soon as possible so that we can get you in for a repair appointment.

Loose Bands or Brackets

Broken or loose braces or appliances may or may not be a problem, but call the office to be sure!

Forsus

It’s common for this appliance to “come apart”. Watch this video for a step-by-step patient repair of a Forsus device.

Turning Your Expander

Follow this step-by-step video for turning your palatal expander at home.

Poking Wires or Lost Separators

During treatment wires may shift or bend, which may result in a wire poking. If this happens, cover the area with wax or bend the wire with the eraser end of the pencil. Call the office if the problem continues. We are always happy to answer your questions!

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort

If you experience any discomfort from your braces rubbing against the inside of your mouth, use wax to protect the area. Treatment time may be extended due to broken/loose brackets or bands, poor rubber band wear, poor oral hygiene, or missed appointments.

When to Seek Immediate Dental Attention

While VanLaecken Orthodontics is equipped to handle most orthodontic emergencies, it's crucial to distinguish between urgent situations and issues that can wait for a scheduled appointment. Severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection require immediate attention from a hospital emergency room or a general dentist, as these may indicate more serious underlying issues beyond the scope of orthodontic emergency care.

Understanding these distinctions ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and timely care. For instance, a knocked-out tooth due to an accident would necessitate a visit to the nearest emergency dental clinic or hospital, whereas a loose bracket might be manageable with a phone call to the orthodontist.

Managing Poking Wires

Poking wires are a common, albeit uncomfortable, issue that can arise during orthodontic treatment. If a wire is causing irritation by poking your gums or cheek, the first step is to try and gently reposition it. You can often use the eraser end of a pencil to carefully nudge the wire away from the sensitive area.

If repositioning isn't possible or effective, covering the offending wire with orthodontic wax can provide immediate relief. This wax creates a smooth barrier between the wire and your oral tissues, preventing further irritation until you can have it addressed by the orthodontic team at VanLaecken Orthodontics.

Addressing Loose Bands and Brackets

Loose bands or brackets can occur for various reasons, including chewing on hard or sticky foods, or accidental trauma. While a loose band or bracket doesn't always constitute a severe emergency, it's important to contact VanLaecken Orthodontics to schedule a repair. Continuing treatment with a dislodged appliance can potentially prolong your overall treatment time and may not be as effective.

In the meantime, if a bracket has come completely off, try to save it and bring it to your next appointment. If a band or bracket is causing discomfort or has sharp edges, you can use orthodontic wax to cover it temporarily, similar to how you would manage a poking wire, until you can visit the office for professional adjustment.

What to Do About Lost Separators

Separators, also known as elastics or "gums," are often used by orthodontists to create small spaces between teeth, typically before placing braces or bands. If you lose a separator, it's generally not a cause for immediate alarm, but it's important to inform VanLaecken Orthodontics.

The orthodontic team will advise you on whether the lost separator needs to be replaced to maintain the intended spacing. While some patients can continue treatment without immediate replacement, others may require it to ensure the treatment progresses as planned and to avoid delays in the overall orthodontic process.