Orthodontic Emergencies — Denison, IA

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

• Step 1: Call us as soon as you can. Orthodontic emergencies need to be treated promptly, even if they’re not causing you a lot of pain. That’s why you should call us right away! We’ll get you on our schedule as quickly as possible and walk you through what to do to manage your situation until you can reach us.
• Step 2: See us for your emergency exam. When you arrive for your appointment, your emergency dentist Dr. Bygness will see you right away. If you’re in any pain, he’ll first work to alleviate it. Then, he’ll evaluate your situation and explain what he recommends doing to address your emergency.
• Step 3: Get the care you need. Once you’ve agreed to a treatment plan, we’ll get to work fixing up your smile! In many cases, we’ll be able to fix your broken braces or aligners right away. Sometimes, we may need to offer a temporary solution while a new part is made. If there is an underlying dental emergency, such as a tooth infection or enamel damage, we’ll need to address that first. Whatever treatment you need, our team will be with you every step of the way.

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Some orthodontic emergencies are scary and alarming, while others seem like a minor inconvenience. However, regardless of their severity, all orthodontic emergencies need to be addressed right away to ensure your treatment stays on track. If you are unsure if your situation requires urgent care, give us a call anyway. We’ll either help you correct your situation over the phone or instruct you to come in for an appointment and professional assistance. Below, you’ll find important information about some important information about the most common orthodontic emergencies we treat.

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies 

There isn’t a set cost for treating orthodontic emergencies. This is because the final price will depend on which treatment is needed, which can very dramatically from patient to patient depending on their unique situation. When you see us for an evaluation, we’ll be able to give you an estimate of how much treating your orthodontic emergency will cost. We’ll also go over all your options for making it as affordable as possible, such as your dental insurance coverage and your financing options.

Keys to Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

It’s always better to prevent orthodontic emergencies than to treat them as they pop up. The best way to minimize your chances of experiencing an orthodontic emergency is to strictly adhere to your treatment plan, which includes refraining from certain foods and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene regimen. Here’s a brief list of tips that can save you from the hassle and treatment delays that accompany orthodontic emergencies, but please contact our office if you have any questions.

Keep Up with Your Orthodontic Checkups

Even if everything seems to be going well, regular orthodontic checkups are crucial to keeping your treatment on track. These appointments allow Dr. Bygness to monitor the health of your teeth and evaluate the state of your orthodontic appliances so that any issues can be corrected and the treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. This can prevent dental emergencies as well as unnecessary complications that can delay treatment.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to preventing food debris from becoming stuck in your braces as well as keeping your clear aligners odor-free. If bacteria are allowed to accumulate on your appliance, they can lead to oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay, and treating these issues can lead to significant treatment delays. To keep your smile and orthodontic appliances in great shape, we’ll recommend the proper tools such as specialized toothbrushes, flossing appliances, or mouthwash.

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

The body needs a healthy diet to prevent infections and heal properly as the teeth are shifted into new positions during orthodontic treatment. If you wear braces, take care not to eat or drink anything crunchy, chewy, sticky, or darkly colored, as these items can cause stains or dislodge your appliances. If you wear clear aligners, remember to remove them before meals, as they are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you wear braces or clear aligners and play sports, you’re going to need a high-quality, custom-made, orthodontic-specific mouthguard to protect your teeth and your orthodontic appliances from injury. If you grind your teeth at night while wearing an orthodontic appliance, a specialized nightguard can protect your teeth and keep your treatment on track.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Using one’s teeth to open packages or chew on non-food objects has led to countless dental and orthodontic emergencies. Never idly chew on items like ice, writing utensils, paperclips, or toothpicks, and use the appropriate tool when opening bottles or packages. Given that many bottle-opener keychains can last for more than a decade and are sold for about $1.75 at many gas stations and convenience stores, getting one may be an excellent investment in your oral health.