Most orthodontic issues can wait until we can see you.
A loose bracket, a poking wire, or a lost aligner is rarely urgent. Here's how to stay comfortable at home, and how to know when it's time to call the office.
When it's more than orthodontic
Some injuries are dental or medical emergencies, not appliance problems, and need care right away.
A knocked-out or displaced permanent tooth, a serious jaw injury, or uncontrolled bleeding needs immediate dental or emergency medical care — go to your general dentist or an emergency room. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or a saline solution rather than water, and seek care quickly. Once the injury itself is treated, call us about any appliance that was affected.
Common appliance issues
Keep orthodontic wax on hand — it solves most minor discomfort. These steps hold you over until we can check the appliance.
Loose or broken bracket
If a bracket comes loose but is still on the wire, leave it in place and cover any sharp edge with orthodontic wax. If it comes off, save it and bring it to your appointment.
Poking or protruding wire
Cover the end with orthodontic wax. If it's very uncomfortable, a clean pencil eraser can gently tuck the wire down; as a last resort, a short end can be trimmed with clean nail clippers.
Lost or cracked aligner
Move back to your previous aligner to hold your progress, and call the office so we can advise whether to advance or replace the tray. Don't skip ahead on your own.
Lost separator
A separator that falls out on its own is usually not urgent. Let the office know at your next contact so it can be checked and replaced if needed.
General soreness
Tenderness after an adjustment or a new aligner is normal for a few days. A non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen, a lukewarm saltwater rinse, and soft foods usually settle it.
Call or text the office.
Even if you've eased the discomfort, a broken appliance still needs a repair appointment.
Contact us at (817) 581-8881 for a broken or loose appliance, a lost or damaged aligner, intense pain, or any discomfort that doesn’t improve within 24 hours. Describe what happened and we’ll advise the next step and schedule the repair or adjustment you need.
09 — Intake
Begin with an evaluation.
Your first visit at NRH Orthodontics is a full evaluation — CBCT airway screening included — and a treatment plan you understand before you commit to anything.
Accepting new patients — North Richland Hills, TX