True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur, Dr. Laurie Parks and our team are responsive and available to help. As a general rule, you should call our Frisco orthodontic office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem that cannot wait until your next regularly scheduled appointment or the next business day.

How to Handle Orthodontic Issues

Loose Appliance: Try to re-fit the band (metal ring) around the tooth and be careful eating on that side until you can be seen at the office. If it is loose on both sides, remove the appliance and come to the office to have it re-cemented.

Broken Appliance: Remove the appliance completely or use orthodontic wax to cover any rough or sharp areas until you can be seen.

Loose Bracket: A loose bracket is rarely an emergency, but it does need to be taken care of in a timely manner. Be careful eating in the area of the loose bracket until you can have it replaced. Call the office to schedule an appointment to repair it.

Wire Poke: Use orthodontic wax, clip the wire with clean nail clippers or wire cutters, or bend the wire with a blunt object or pencil eraser. Sometimes very thin wires that are used at the beginning of treatment can be placed back into the bracket or band. They can also be placed under the hook of the bracket or band so as to stay out of the way of chewing forces.

General Soreness: Eat softer food and take an anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen) or analgesics (Tylenol) as tolerated. General soreness usually lasts from 2 to 7 days. Soreness is usually most pronounced on the 2nd day and decreases gradually over time.

Facial Trauma: Go to the ER if needed. Call us, as well as your general dentist, to be seen as soon as possible to repair any broken appliances and check for underlying trauma.

If you have an orthodontic emergency, Team GoaLine would be happy to help! GoaLine Orthodontics can be reached at info@goalineortho.com or (972) 712-2700.