If you or your child has an orthodontic emergency, do you know what to do? Would you be prepared to deal with a problem like a broken braces bracket or a protruding wire? Our Orthodontic Associates team has locations in Birmingham and Grosse Pointe Farms, just a short drive away. Board-certified orthodontists Dr. Gregory Hummon, DDS, MS, FACD, and Dr. Thomas Gebeck, DDS, MS, can help you with any kind of orthodontic emergency. But the best thing to do is to prevent a crisis from happening in the first place. First, let’s explore what counts as an emergency. Then, we’ll explore what you can do at home until you make it into our office.
What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?
Issues with your orthodontic appliances range from minor inconveniences to serious issues that require immediate attention from Dr. Hummon or Dr. Gebeck. Knowing the difference can help you stay calm and act quickly.
Common orthodontic emergencies in Birmingham and Grosse Pointe Farms include:
- Broken bracket or loose band
- A bracket may come loose if it’s bumped or if your child bites something hard or sticky.
- Poking or broken wire
- Wires can sometimes slip out of place and rub the inside of the cheeks.
- Lost or broken aligner or retainer
- Appliances can crack, warp, or get misplaced.
- Tooth or mouth injury during orthodontic treatment
- Sports accidents, falls, or even biting down too hard can cause this type of injury.
- Swelling, pain, or infection
- These are rare but need prompt care.
If you’re not sure whether the issue is urgent, call our office. We’ll talk you through it and let you know if your child should come in right away or if it’s safe to wait for the next scheduled visit.
What You Can Do at Home First
Our Orthodontic Associates team is always happy to see you in person. But, there are a few quick, simple steps you can take at home to deal with orthodontic emergencies until your appointment.
Broken Bracket
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to keep it from rubbing. If it’s completely loose, put it in a small container and bring it to your appointment.
Poking Wire
A poking wire can make eating and talking uncomfortable. Use clean tweezers to push it back toward the tooth. If you can’t move it, cover it with a small piece of orthodontic wax. This will protect the cheeks and gums until Dr. Hummon or Dr. Gebeck can fix it.
Soreness or Swelling
Some slight soreness is common after adjustments. But if your child’s mouth feels unusually tender, a warm saltwater rinse can help. Over-the-counter, child-safe pain relievers may also ease discomfort.
Lost Aligner or Retainer
If an aligner is lost or damaged, call our Birmingham or Grosse Pointe Farms office right away. In the meantime, wear the previous set to keep teeth from shifting. For retainers, keep them safe in a case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
Mouth Injury
If your child experiences a sports-related mouth injury, use ice to help with swelling and call us immediately. If teeth are chipped, loose, or knocked out, our team might recommend seeing your family dentist for additional care.
Tip: Keep a small orthodontic emergency kit at home or in your child’s sports bag: wax, tweezers, a mirror, and salt for rinsing can go a long way.
When to Call Orthodontic Associates
Even if you’ve handled the immediate problem at home, you should contact our team if:
- A bracket or band has fully detached
- A wire is causing sores, bleeding, or severe irritation
- An appliance is broken beyond a quick home fix
- There are signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or pus
- You’re simply unsure what to do
At Orthodontic Associates, we’d rather you call with a question than wait and risk a bigger problem. Our Birmingham and Grosse Pointe Farms team is used to fitting in emergency orthodontic visits.
How We Handle Problems In-Office
When you arrive for an urgent visit, our goal is to make your child feel comfortable as soon as possible.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Fast scheduling
- We prioritize urgent concerns and try to see patients as quickly as possible.
- Expert care
- Dr. Hummon and Dr. Gebeck are both board-certified orthodontists with decades of experience.
- Gentle repair
- We fix broken brackets, trim poking wires, and adjust appliances so they work properly again.
- A calm, caring environment
- Especially important for nervous kids and teens.
- Flexible hours
- Both our Birmingham and Grosse Pointe Farms locations offer weekday appointment times to fit busy family schedules.
Tips for Avoiding Future Issues
While accidents can’t always be prevented, you can lower the chances of an orthodontic emergency in Birmingham or Grosse Pointe Farms by:
- Avoiding sticky, chewy, or hard foods with braces
- Wearing a mouthguard for sports
- Handling aligners and retainers carefully
- Keeping up with scheduled check-ups so we can spot small issues before they become big problems
We’ll review these tips with you during your visits and send you home with printed care instructions for easy reference.
