East Albuquerque: (505) 299-4458
North Albuquerque: (505) 299-7678
Los Lunas: (505) 866-9296
Grants: (505) 285-9833
Emergency orthodontic Care
Initially, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. You may experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it's comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.
If you think you may have an emergency, and it is after hours, please give our office a call and our voicemail will guide you to our emergency phone number.
Do I Need Emergency orthodontic Care?
In general, if something hurts, you may have an emergency. Injuries which require immediate orthodontic care include:
- Trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth
- Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face
- Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain
- A punctured lip
If you have injured your lip or tongue and are unable to control bleeding with pressure or a cold compress, seek medical attention.
If you cannot reach your dentist, visit the nearest emergency room and to determine whether the injury can wait or needs immediate care.
What to Do
FOR A LOOSE BRACKET OR BAND
If the bracket or band is still attached to the archwire, leave it in place. If it's uncomfortable, cove it with wax. Please do not connect elastics to a loose band. If it comes our completely, bring it with you to your appointment.
What to Do
FOR A LOST TIE OR ELASTIC TIE
Please call us to schedule your next appointment if you don't have an appointment. Notify the assistant at your next appointment.
What to Do
SHARP OR IRRITATING AREA
Cover the irritating area with wax and call to set up your next appointment.
What to Do
POKING ARCHWIRE
Once teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If the wire won't move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol, please call us if you need help. You can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie that's causing problems. If you don't feel comfortable clipping it, cover it with wax or wet cotton.
What to Do
IF YOUR WIRE IS OUT OF THE TUBE
Try to place the wire back into the tube using tweezers. Place wax if it feels uncomfortable.
What to Do
SORENESS FROM BRACES
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water, and rinse for 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief. If necessary, take a pain reliever that you would use for a headache or similar discomfort.
invisalign care & cautions
Wear your invisible aligners at least 22 hours each day. Your teeth will not move into proper alignment if trays are not worn for the prescribed period. To work properly, aligners must be snug against your teeth.
wearing your aligners
When you begin your Invisalign treatment with Haltom Orthodontics you will receive several sets of custom fit aligners. Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks. After two weeks you can switch your aligners with the next set and continue straightening your teeth. Over time you will notice changes in the alignment of your teeth and in just a few months you will have a straighter, healthier smile!
To properly seat invisible aligners:
- Place them firmly in your mouth with your fingers.
- Gently bite up and down on a cotton roll, or other seating device.
- Make sure to apply pressure to each tooth for proper placement and seating
Important reminders:
- Aligners are made of plastic and can be ruined by heat. Don't leave them in a hot car.
- When you're eating, place your aligners in your Haltom retainer case to avoid possibly losing them.
- Chewing on hard objects can damage trays or knock the "buttons" off.
What to Do
FOR INJURED MOUTH OR TEETH
If you have a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, immediately apply ice to the injured area. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, it's best to contact your family dentist first, we may not have the necessary materials or anesthesia required to treat these injuries. If the appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust the appliances as soon as possible, after you have seen your general dentist, depending upon the comfort level of the patient.
Dealing with
A DENTAL EMERGENCY
A quick reaction to a dental emergency can save a tooth. Do not leave oral health concerns untreated. If you believe you need immediate dental care, stay calm and contact your dentist or visit an emergency room as soon as possible.