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Webster (585) 872-4660 1110 Crosspointe Ln, Suite B,
Webster, NY 14580
Rochester (585) 730-7700 2300 Buffalo Rd, Suite 400C,
Rochester, NY 14624

Emergency Orthodontist — Rochester, NY | Webster, NY

Need Help Now? We Have You Covered!

In an ideal world, a patient would begin their orthodontic treatment and we would only see them for their routine adjustment appointments every six to twelve weeks. Before you know it, orthodontic treatment is done – nice and easy. Of course, as we all know, life often gets in the way of anything that is supposed to be “nice and easy.” Orthodontic emergencies can happen to people of all ages during treatment. Should our patients ever need help with a pressing problem, we are ready to provide it. If you or your child have an urgent orthodontic emergency in Rochester, just call or text us at (585) 750-0960 . We will work to resolve the orthodontic emergency as quickly as possible, even if that means scheduling you for a same-day appointment.

Why Choose Drabik Orthodontics for Emergency Orthodontic Care?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • Orthodontist with More than 20 Years of Experience
  • Kind, Friendly, and Highly-Skilled Team

 

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

A woman with braces touching her teeth

Perhaps you haven’t had an orthodontic emergency before. Well, don’t panic; our team will guide you through how to proceed. To that end, follow the three steps below:

 

  • Call Our Office: Though most orthodontic emergencies aren’t worrisome, give our office a call. One of our experienced team members can tell you how to handle the situation. For instance, they might suggest using dental wax, rinsing with salt water, wearing new aligners, taking pain relievers, etc. If you don’t already know what to do, then, call us!
  • See Us for a Visit: If your issue isn’t fixable over the phone, we’ll invite you to visit us. Based on your emergency’s severity, that might mean a same-day appointment, the next-soonest availability, or your routine orthodontic visit.
  • Get Needed Care: Rest assured, we quickly, easily, and affordably treat orthodontic emergencies in Webster; you’re in good hands. Take note, however, that you may need a follow-up visit if new appliance parts must be ordered. Furthermore, if your emergency stems from underlying health issues or involves tooth damage, we may refer you to a general dentist. (If your jaw is broken or dislocated, please go directly to your local ER.)

 

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Admittedly, orthodontic emergencies aren’t that common. They still happen, though, so you should seek qualified help if you’re in pain or worried. Just managing things at home can negatively impact your treatment. In contrast, an orthodontist is well-equipped to deal with damaged braces or aligners. More specifically, you can trust them to get your appliance back on track!

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies

dentist holding teeth with braces

Perhaps you’re worried that orthodontic emergency care is too pricey. After all, a procedure won’t help if it exceeds your budget! In truth, though, no two orthodontic emergencies are exactly alike. You’ll thus have to consult our team for an exact treatment estimate. At that time, we’ll perform an oral exam to learn about your issue and its associated costs. From there, our team will explain your available financing options to help you stay within your budget. Simply click on the button below to learn more!

Every Orthodontic Emergency Is Different 

patient with braces smiling while visiting dentist

The cost of your treatment will vary based on the specifics of your emergency. Simple issues like a loose bracket or an object stuck between your teeth are usually straightforward and won't break the bank.

However, more complex situations may involve higher costs. For instance, if your retainer breaks, you might need a replacement, which can be pricey. Severe oral health issues like deep cuts in soft tissue or decay may require extensive treatment. In such cases, we may need to work with your general dentist or a specialist to ensure comprehensive care.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

dental insurance form on table

Since each dental insurance plan is unique, it's impossible to know how your benefits will apply to your circumstances. Certain plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum, which, if fully utilized for braces, may leave no coverage available for emergencies. However, if your emergency is linked to your dental condition, your regular coverage could cover a portion of your treatment. Our team is experienced with insurance and committed to clarifying how your benefits apply in any scenario. We'll assist you every step of the way to maximize your coverage.

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergencies Affordable

patient figuring out cost of orthodontic emergencies

In addition to insurance coverage, there are alternative options available to help you handle the expenses of your orthodontic emergency. For example, we offer free orthodontic consultations and flexible financing through Lending Club.

You may also have the option to use your healthcare savings account or flexible spending account to cover your treatment expenses. These accounts can offer additional flexibility in managing your orthodontic care costs.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money 

patient with braces cleaning teeth

The best way to minimize the expense of orthodontic emergencies is by prioritizing excellent oral care. Follow these tips to lower your risk of encountering an emergency or lessen its severity:

  • Keep up with scheduled orthodontic checkups to catch any issues early.
  • Don't skip regular preventive dental visits with your general dentist.
  • Be cautious when eating, avoiding sticky and hard foods that could harm your braces.
  • If you suspect something's wrong with your orthodontic treatment, seek assistance promptly. Delaying treatment increases the likelihood of complications and higher costs down the line.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

A pleased girl with braces taking a selfie

Not all orthodontic emergencies are, in fact, preventable. Even so, there are some ways to greatly reduce your risk of facing one. Given that fact, try following these practices in the future:

  • Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with fluoridated mouthwash often.
  • Don’t chew foods that could break a bracket or wire. (Popcorn, nuts, hard candies, etc.)
  • Attend follow-up orthodontic visits, which let our team monitor your braces and oral health.
  • Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, as these can cause tooth decay.
  • Avoid poor oral habits, especially ice-chewing and nail-biting.
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Toothache

Is a Toothache an Emergency? As your teeth are moving into their properly aligned positions, some soreness is to be expected. There are, however, certain warning signs that your toothache necessitates immediate treatment. A few examples include: pain that’s lasted longer than 24 hours, severe discoloration on the problematic tooth, and symptoms of an infection, such as a fever.

How You Should Handle Toothaches If you are experiencing any of the above (or other abnormal dental symptoms), then we highly recommend rinsing your mouth with saltwater, placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed. These are just short-term solutions, but they can help keep you comfortable until your dentist pinpoints the root of the problem. After they’ve treated your tooth, schedule an appointment with our team so we can get your orthodontic treatment back on track.

Loose Bracket or Wire

Is a Loose Bracket or Wire an Emergency? If part of your braces becomes loose, then you should call our team right away. Although you may not be in any pain, this type of orthodontic emergency in Gates can result in your teeth shifting out of position. Furthermore, there is potential for harm to your teeth and gums if you accidentally bite down on the loose bracket or wire. So, this definitely warrants a call to our office.

How You Should Handle a Loose Bracket or Wire If your bracket or wire is slightly out of place, then you can gently move it. However, you shouldn’t force it – this can result in a serious scratch! If you can’t move it, then cover any sharp edges with a piece of dental wax or sugarless gum. That way, your lips, gums, and tongue are protected from a soft tissue injury until we have the opportunity to fix your braces.

Broken Bracket or Wire

Is a Broken Bracket or Wire an Emergency? Yes, it is! Like a loose bracket or wire, a broken one can negatively impact the movement of your teeth. Plus, there is always the additional risk of a serious soft tissue injury. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with our team as soon as you can. From there, we can learn more about your situation and determine the best time for you to come in for treatment.

How You Should Handle a Broken Bracket or Wire Although it may be tempting, it’s crucial that you don’t try to fix your broken bracket or wire at home. Not only can this damage your braces, but it can result in delays to your treatment plan as well as a dental injury. We recommend simply covering any sharp edges with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum and calling us for a same-day appointment. Important note: if you have your broken bracket or wire, place it in a small, clean container and bring it with you to your appointment.

Protruding/Poking Wire  

Is a Poking or Protruding Wire an Emergency? It is! Mainly because the wire can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth and lead to an infection. So, don’t wait to call our Rochester orthodontist.

How You Should Handle A Poking or Protruding Wire You can use a Q-tip or clean pencil eraser to gently guide the wire back into position. Whether you are able to move it or not, we recommend covering the sharp edge with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts to your tongue, lips, and the other soft tissues in your mouth. When you arrive at our orthodontic office near North Chili, we will secure the wire back in place to ensure that no further harm is done.

Mouth Sores/Irritation  

Are Mouth Sores or Irritation an Emergency? Irritation is common for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially at the beginning. Fortunately, this side effect is typically short-lived. Plus, there are several measures you can take to alleviate discomfort and protect your tongue, lips, and the insides of your cheeks in the meantime.

How You Should Handle Mouth Sores or Irritation Rinsing periodically with a mixture of salt and warm water is a great place to start. This will help alleviate puffiness while simultaneously preventing an infection. We also recommend placing dental wax over any sharp edges of your braces. If the sores in your mouth don’t seem to be healing or are getting more painful, then call our team right away.

Broken Ligature  

Is a Broken Ligature an Emergency? Ligatures (the elastics that hold your wire in place) can oftentimes be reattached at home if they fall off. If they break entirely, however, then you should call us right away so we can fix it and get your treatment plan back on track.

How You Should Handle a Broken Ligature First, call our office and explain your situation to one of our knowledgeable team members. They can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to handle this orthodontic emergency at home. Oftentimes, the best thing to do is come into our office so one of our talented orthodontists near Churchville can safely and carefully fix your braces.

Cut Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue  

Is a Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue an Emergency? Soft tissue injuries often bleed a lot, which can be alarming. However, the bleeding usually stops within 10 minutes of applying pressure. If that’s not the case, then head to the nearest ER for medical attention.

How You Should Handle a Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue The first step is rinsing the cut thoroughly with clean water. Next, use a wet washcloth, piece of gauze, or tissue to apply pressure. Once the bleeding stops, place a cold compress against the area to alleviate puffiness and irritation.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth  

Is Having Something Stuck Between the Teeth an Emergency? Not only can having something stuck between your teeth be quite uncomfortable, but it can also be difficult to remove if you have brackets and wires in your way. The good news is that this situation can usually be handled at home, and, therefore, doesn’t warrant an immediate visit to our office. That said, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’ve tried the below steps but have had no success.

How You Should Handle Something Stuck Between the Teeth Instead of reaching for something sharp, like a toothpick, use warm saltwater to thoroughly rinse your mouth. This will help alleviate any swelling while also loosening the debris. Then, use floss to gently clean between your teeth. If the debris doesn’t come loose, try this process a few more times. If all else fails, you can always schedule an appointment with us so we can help.

Broken/Lost Aligner or Retainer  

Is a Broken/Lost Aligner or Retainer an Emergency? Absolutely! That’s because both a broken retainer and a lost aligner have the potential to result in consequences like orthodontic relapse, which is when your teeth begin to drift back into their previously misaligned positions. So, don’t hesitate to contact us ASAP so we can repair or replace your orthodontic appliance quickly.

How You Should Handle a Broken or Lost Aligner/Retainer If you’ve lost your retainer or aligner, it’s always a good idea to carefully retrace your steps, starting from the last place you know you had them. In the process, don’t forget to look in “random” places, like your refrigerator or between your bed and your nightstand. If you can’t find them, then call us (which is also what you should do if your retainer or aligner breaks).

Loose Teeth  

Are Loose Teeth an Emergency? If your teeth feel slightly loose from time to time during your orthodontic treatment, don’t panic. This is completely normal as your teeth begin to move into their properly aligned positions, so you have nothing to worry about. Of course, if one or more of your teeth feel like they are about to fall out, then that’s a different story; contact us ASAP to schedule an emergency appointment.

How You Should Handle Loose Teeth If your teeth are loose, then do not eat anything crunchy, hard, or sticky, like caramel candies, tortilla chips, and popcorn. Instead, stick to soft foods if you need to eat between now and your appointment and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth entirely. Don’t wiggle the tooth with your finger either since this will only make the situation worse. Lastly, get to our office as soon as you can for an emergency exam.