Orthodontic Emergencies: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Treated

Posted on June 24, 2024

Orthodontic treatment is crucial in helping you have a healthy mouth and a smile that makes you feel confident. However, emergencies happen to the most careful patients. According to Science Direct, 32.3% of patients have an orthodontic emergency while waiting for their return visit. It’s tempting to wait until your appointment, but orthodontists recommend visiting as soon as the emergency happens.

Various Emergencies

It’s important to understand what makes an emergency. Any pain or discomfort is an emergency. This can signal your braces don’t fit properly and need to be readjusted. Broken bands can impact whether your braces fit properly, making them ineffective. Poking sensations can also indicate something on your orthodontic treatment is broken. These are all considered an emergency, even if they don’t seem like a big deal.

Delayed Treatment

One of the most significant impacts orthodontists see when patients don’t schedule an appointment for an emergency is that their treatment plan gets delayed. Treatments like braces that don’t fit properly will not help the teeth become appropriately aligned. Waiting too long can lead to patients starting their entire treatment plan from the beginning again to see the desired results.

Oral Health Issues

Improperly fitting orthodontic treatments can lead to oral health issues. Metal wires or brackets can scrape against the cheek, leading to oral infections. Teeth that are not correctly aligned are more likely to have plaque, cavities, and other health problems. Ensuring you head to the orthodontist during an emergency is a great way to keep your mouth healthy.

Extreme Discomfort

Ignoring an orthodontic issue can lead to more discomfort over time. Broken wires and brackets can poke painfully against the cheek, and parts can get stuck between teeth, leading to severe discomfort. If treatments are too tight, it can cause severe discomfort to do anything, including eating and talking. You should be able to comfortably wear your orthodontic treatment, and orthodontists can help you do that.

Most patients procrastinate heading to the office for an emergency because they don’t realize it’s an emergency. A broken wire that isn’t causing pain doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, orthodontists see many patients delay their treatment plan by doing this. Instead, contact your orthodontists and ask if you should be seen for a problem. Contact Chelian Orthodontics to schedule your appointment today.