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Emergency Orthodontist — Lawrence, MA

Fast Orthodontic Care When You Need It Most

Girl needing to visit her Lawrence emergency orthodontist

Fortunately, orthodontic emergencies aren’t very common. However, if you suddenly find yourself in the midst of one, the last thing you want to be doing is searching online for “emergency orthodontist near me.” That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most important information you need to know about the most common orthodontic emergencies below, so you can be as prepared as possible should you or a loved one run into one of these scary situations. For fast orthodontic care when you need it most, don’t hesitate to call Super Braces of Lawrence to schedule a visit with our emergency orthodontist in Lawrence, MA!

Why Choose Super Braces of Lawrence for Emergency Orthodontic Care?

  • #1 Highly Trained Orthodontist with More Than 15 Years of Experience
  • #2 Your Comfort Is Always Our Top Priority
  • #3 We’ll See You As Quickly As Possible for an Emergency Appointment

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

Patient calling her Lawrence emergency orthodontist
  • Step 1: Call us right away. Call us as soon as you can so we can help you assess your situation and schedule an appointment for you accordingly. We’ll also walk you through how to handle your emergency until you can reach us.
  • Step 2: See Dr. Nezakatgoo. We do everything we can to see emergency patients as quickly as possible. When you arrive, your Lawrence emergency orthodontist Dr. Nezakatgoo will see you. She’ll eliminate your pain and evaluate the situation. From there, she will discuss her findings with you and explain what treatments she recommends next.
  • Step 3: Get the fast orthodontic care you need. If possible, Dr. Nezakatgoo will address your orthodontic treatment immediately, but if necessary, we’ll also be able to schedule you for follow-up appointments.

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Do you have a broken or poking wire? Has your child lost or broken one of their Invisalign aligners? Is there something stuck between your braces and you just can’t seem to dislodge it? Orthodontic emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t hesitate to call us if something seems wrong or feels painful. Below, you’ll find important information about the most common orthodontic emergencies we treat.

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies

Father paying for orthodontic emergency in Lawrence

Orthodontic emergencies can vary widely from one patient to another. That’s why there is no set cost for emergency orthodontic treatment. Some emergencies can be quite quick, easy and inexpensive to treat, while others may need to have replacement parts ordered and installed, which would cost more time and money. Should your emergency involve something such as a broken or infected tooth, we’ll likely refer you back to your general dentist to have your oral health restored. Keep reading below to learn a little more about some of the things that determine how much you’ll need to pay to address an orthodontic emergency in Lawrence.

Every Orthodontic Emergency Is Different

a patient visiting their emergency orthodontist

One of the most important things to keep in mind when pondering the cost of emergency orthodontic care is that since every patient’s situation is different, every patient’s final bill will differ. Some orthodontic emergencies can be effectively treated with quick and inexpensive solutions, whereas other situations might require more complex treatments like a root canal, which are usually accompanied by other associated costs such as a crown. In any case, we’ll review your situation carefully before determining an appropriate course of action and providing you with an explanation of the estimated cost of care.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

a closeup of a dental insurance form

Fortunately, the majority of dental insurance providers offer some level of coverage when it comes to orthodontic emergencies. That said, each plan and everyone’s circumstances are different, so it’s always going to be in your best interest to check the specifics of your plan before committing to care. We’re thrilled to partner with a wide variety of different providers and we’d be more than happy to sit down with you and review the specifics of your coverage so that you can ensure you’re lowering your out-of-pocket expenses by as much as possible.

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergencies Affordable

a closeup of a dental insurance form

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you’re not entirely out of luck; there are many other ways to make the cost of emergency orthodontic care less of a financial strain! You might consider using a third-party financer like LendingPoint; you’ll be able to pay for your treatment in manageable monthly installments with low to zero interest.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

a patient receiving emergency orthodontic care

It’s unrealistic to expect to go through life without experiencing a dental problem. However, investing in routine dental care and conditioning yourself to take care of your smile at home will pay huge dividends, and can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the years by way of lessening the likelihood of orthodontic emergencies. In addition to diligent self-care, you need to follow all of your orthodontist’s guidelines when it comes to your treatment plan; for example, if you have braces, be sure to adhere to the required dietary restrictions and eliminate poor oral habits. As soon as you become aware of a problem, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance; your smile and wallet will thank you for acting fast!

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Smiling orthodontic assistant talking to patient in treatment chair

While our experienced team is ready and waiting to jump into action should you need emergency orthodontic care, it’s always better to avoid them in the first place. While your risk of encountering an orthodontic emergency can never be eliminated entirely, there are a few things you can do to dramatically lower your risk. Here are a few best practices our Lawrence orthodontist recommends!

Get a Checkup and Cleaning Twice a Year

Woman smiling at reflection in handheld mirror with dental team

You know that brushing and flossing are crucial, but it’s important not to forget about another component of oral hygiene: getting a checkup and cleaning twice a year. These appointments allow your dental team to periodically screen for everything from tooth decay and gum disease to oral cancer. Perhaps more importantly, these appointments allow them to intervene with the necessary treatment in the early stages, protecting your oral and overall health in the process.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Various vegetables, fruits, and proteins on table

Whether you have traditional braces or an alternative, like Invisalign, it’s essential that you commit to a solid oral hygiene routine at home. After all, even a minor cavity has the potential to temporarily pause your treatment plan. To avoid that, make sure to brush twice a day and floss and rinse with mouthwash daily. Additionally, always use the right dental care products, like a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of one with hard bristles.

Abide by the Dietary Restrictions

Closeup of athlete putting white mouthguard in his mouth

If you have metal brackets and wires, then you need to avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods, including caramel-filled candies, whole apples, and raw nuts. Although there aren’t technically any dietary restrictions with Invisalign, it can be helpful to take the same precautions if you have a lot of attachments. Across the board, it’s a good idea to fill your plate with smile-friendly, nutrient-dense, and soft foods when you can, including scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cooked vegetables, and plain yogurt.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

Closeup of patient using bottle cap opener

In short, you need to wear a mouthguard if you participate in a sport. Whether you like to play soccer, skateboard, or cheer, we can provide you with a mouthguard that’s the appropriate thickness and will help keep your braces (and teeth!) from getting damaged.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Closeup of patient using bottle cap opener

One of the easiest ways to damage your braces (or crack a tooth) is by using your teeth to hold your keys, open a package, or remove a bottle cap. Although it may seem convenient in the moment, there are few things as inconvenient as having to drop everything to handle an orthodontic emergency. Simply put, you should never use your teeth as tools!

Orthodontic Emergency FAQs

Orthodontist checking young girl's braces

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful when they do occur! Fortunately, our team is in your corner and ready to help – all you have to do is call us. If you simply want to learn more information on the topic so you’re prepared, then that’s perfectly fine as well. In that case, you can keep reading for the answers to FAQs about orthodontic emergencies in Lawrence.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

Immediately following your adjustment appointments, you might feel some tooth pain that makes it more difficult to sleep soundly. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help alleviate your discomfort, starting with sticking to soft foods. About 30 minutes before bed, take an OTC pain reliever and use a cold compress in 10-minute intervals to reduce inflammation.

Are toothpicks safe to use?

Generally, we don’t recommend using toothpicks to clean between your teeth or around your braces. There are a few reasons for this, including that accidentally swallowing one can be deadly. If you have something lodged in a bracket or around a wire, then we recommend rinsing with warm saltwater instead. You can also use an interproximal toothbrush and pre-threaded floss. If nothing seems to be working, get in touch with us.

Should I visit the emergency room first for orthodontic emergencies?

Unless you’ve broken your jaw, have sustained a serious soft tissue injury, or are experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms, the answer is “no.” Since hospitals don’t typically have orthodontists on-staff, they won’t be able to fix your braces. At most, they can alleviate your pain in the meantime and tell you to schedule an appointment with us ASAP.  Simply put, if you’ve broken a wire, a bracket, or your retainer, your first call should be to us.

What does chronic bad breath mean?

Having a pungent odor on your breath after eating onions, garlic, or something similar is to be expected. However, if you’re struggling with chronic bad breath even when there is no apparent trigger, then it may be the result of something else, like a cavity. If you’ve been thoroughly brushing your teeth, cleaning your braces, and using mints in an attempt to freshen your breath but nothing seems to be working, then it’s worth giving us a call so we can conduct an exam and determine the root of the problem.

What does throbbing tooth pain mean?

Throbbing tooth pain is bad news since it’s usually a sign of a severe infection. If you experience any abnormal symptoms throughout your orthodontic treatment, like a sharp pain when biting down or a pimple-like bump on your gums, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to something as important as the health of your smile.

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Toothaches

Is a toothache an emergency? When first receiving your braces or having your wire tightened, you will likely experience some discomfort. Fortunately, this will dissipate within a few days. However, a toothache with braces can sometimes indicate a serious oral health issue that requires immediate attention, such as a dental abscess, tooth infection, or damaged orthodontics. Call us immediately if:

  • Your toothache or dental soreness is severe or lasts longer than a day
  • Your discomfort doesn’t seem to be getting better, or it’s getting worse
  • There’s a small bump on the gums near the painful tooth
  • One tooth looks darker than the others
  • You experience signs of infection, such as swelling in the mouth or fever

How you should handle toothaches: Unfortunately, there are countless things that can cause a toothache with braces. First, make sure your pain isn’t being caused by a piece of food stuck in your braces or gums by brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth out with water. If discomfort persists, give us a call. Until you can see us, you can manage your symptoms by applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth or taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label.

Loose Bracket

Is a loose bracket or wire an emergency? A loos bracket or wire is nothing to panic about, but you should contact our office as quickly as you can. Loose orthodontics mean that they’re not working as intended, so your treatment may get off track without prompt care. Additionally, the longer a loose bracket or wire is ignored, the more likely the issue is to get worse!

How you should handle a loose bracket or wire: If one of your archwires is starting to become loose (as in you can easily move it with your tongue), try to carefully pull it back into place using tweezers. If this doesn’t help, use a pair of fingernail clippers to bend the ends of the wire so that it stays still.

If one of your brackets has fallen off completely, recover it and keep it in a secure container until your appointment. If it’s still attached, gently slide it back along the wire into its original position with cotton and hold it in place with orthodontic wax.

In both cases, avoid sticky or hard foods, as they can easily make the situation worse. Rinse with salt water if you’ve suffered from any kind of cut or sore as a result of the loose bracket or wire.

Broken Wire

Is a broken bracket or wire an emergency? If your archwire or a bracket has broken, snapped, or fallen off completely, you should call us immediately. A broken bracket or wire could cause painful cuts in your mouth, or even a serious injury in an accident. Additionally, without the tension of the bracket or wire, your treatment won’t progress, and could eventually be thrown off track.

How you should handle a broken bracket or wire: A bracket or wire that has fallen out of place entirely should be washed off and stored in a secure container, such as an envelope, plastic baggie, or clean container, and brough to your appointment. If the appliance is still anchored in place but is broken, cover the area with orthodontic wax. This will protect your soft tissues from abrasion and help hold the appliance together until you can reach us.

Protruding/Poking Wire

Is a poking or protruding wire an emergency? When first wearing your braces or right after having them adjusted, you may feel the end of the archwire poking your cheek tissue. In most cases, this irritation will be minor and fade in a few days as your mouth adjusts to the appliance. However, a poking wire is considered an orthodontic emergency if it is causing significant discomfort or appears suddenly. Call us right away so we can evaluate your braces as soon as possible and adjust them for your comfort.

How you should handle a poking or protruding wire: Over the phone, we’ll instruct you on how to manage your poking wire until we can see you. In some cases, we may recommend using a cotton swab, Q-tip, or the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a position where it won’t bother you. Alternatively, it may be a better choice to put a dab of orthodontic wax or sugarless gum on the protruding wire to keep it from irritating the tissue. If your mouth has sustained a scratch or sore, you should rinse carefully with salt water to ease inflammation and clean the area.

Mouth Sores or Irritation

Are mouth sores or irritation an emergency? The soft tissues of the gums, lips, and cheeks will likely feel a bit irritated in the days right after braces have been put on. This is completely normal, and the mouth should adjust in less than a week.

However, if the pain in your mouth does not fade in a few days, if it seems to be getting worse, or it is severe, don’t hesitate to contact us right away. Your braces may need to be adjusted, or you may have a different oral health issue such as a tissue infection or injury. When you give us a call, we’ll help you assess the urgency of your situation and direct you on the best next steps over the phone.

How you should handle mouth sores or irritation: As you wait for your mouth to adjust to your new braces, try rinsing with warm salt water or placing dental wax over particularly tender areas to provide immediate relief. In some cases, you may want to use a store-bought topical oral anesthetic or numbing gel from your local pharmacy. If the pain is intense, you can apply an ice pack to the outside of the mouth for 10-minute intervals and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed on the directions.

Broken Ligature

Is a broken ligature an emergency?  Ligatures, which are the small rubber bands around each bracket, hold the archwire in place. If one falls off, there’s no reason to panic. We’ll address it during your next progress check-in appointment. However, if several ligatures break or fall off, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed right away to keep your treatment on track.

How you should handle a broken ligature:   If one ligature has fallen off and it isn’t broken, you may be able to put it back into place on the designated bracket with tweezers. If you can’t, or if the ligature has snapped, we’ll need to replace it during your next checkup. Should several ligatures pop off or break, do not attempt to replace them unless we instruct you to do so over the phone. You should pay close attention to your brushing habits and chewing tendencies to see if you may be accidentally causing the ligatures to break or fall off.

Cut Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue

Is a cut lip, cheek, or tongue an emergency? Injuries in the mouth tend to bleed a lot, which makes them seem quite alarming at first. Fortunately, they do not often require emergency attention. If the cut was caused by an injury or accident that may have damaged the braces or teeth, we will want to see you for an appointment right away. If you cannot control the bleeding within 10 minutes, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room. However, in the majority of cases, you should be able to manage a cut on your lips, cheeks, or tongue at home with the proper care.

How you should handle a cut lip, cheek, or tongue: First, rinse your mouth out with plain water or salt water to clean the injured tissues. Then, apply pressure to the area with a piece of gauze or wet washcloth until the bleeding stops. Cover the nearby parts of your braces with orthodontic wax to keep them from irritating the injury, an avoid touching the area.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Is having something stuck between the teeth an emergency? Getting food stuck between your teeth during your time with braces is normal. However, you should still take steps to dislodge the debris right away since it can lead to serious discomfort and oral health issues.

How you should handle something stuck between your teeth: In some cases, gently rinsing with warm water is all that’s needed to dislodge the debris. If that doesn’t work, try threading floss between your braces before sliding it up and down the side of each tooth. If neither of these methods work, get in touch with our team so we can help. Note: do NOT use sharp objects, like a toothpick, in an attempt to remove something stuck between your teeth.

Broken or Lost Retainer

Is a broken or lost aligner or retainer an emergency? Although a broken/lost retainer or aligner isn’t typically considered an orthodontic emergency, it can result in treatment delays or orthodontic relapse. Therefore, it’s important not to put off calling us. Don’t worry – we understand that mistakes happen; we’re just here to help you get back on track.

How you should handle a broken or lost aligner or retainer: Similar to a broken aligner, an ill-fitting retainer can cause your teeth to move into the wrong positions. That’s why it’s important to touch base with our team regarding the next best steps – we want to ensure your teeth stay nice and straight!

For lost aligners, the best thing to do is retrace your steps, paying special attention to the small crevices they could’ve fallen into. Once you confirm that they are missing, get in touch with us so we can help you determine what to do next (like wear your previous tray until your replacement arrives).

Loose Teeth

Are loose teeth an emergency? Braces are designed to gently and gradually move your teeth. Although this is done intentionally to ensure they don’t come loose, you may feel like they don’t seem as secure. This is normal. What isn’t normal, however, is wiggling teeth, especially in tandem with symptoms of gum disease. If this is the case for you, schedule a same-day appointment right away!

How you should handle loose teeth: It’s of the utmost importance that you don’t touch your loose tooth or teeth with your fingers or tongue. Not chewing on that side of your mouth is also a good idea to prevent further damage. Instead, do your best to keep your mouth clean and visit our orthodontist as soon as possible.