A poking wire, loose bracket, or cracked aligner can be uncomfortable, but not every appliance problem requires emergency medical care. Our emergency orthodontic care in Denver, Colorado helps you distinguish problems that need prompt attention from those that can be managed temporarily until an office visit. At Advanced Orthodontic Care, Dr. Jeff Birg is a certified specialist in orthodontics. Dr. Robert Rudman (Retired) founded our Denver practice.
When Should You Call the Orthodontist?
Call our office when a problem is painful, could injure the inside of your mouth, or may interfere with treatment. Situations that deserve prompt guidance include:
- A broken or loose bracket or band
- A wire poking the cheek or gums
- A snapped archwire
- A lost or severely damaged retainer
- A cracked or broken clear aligner
- Significant swelling or signs of infection
- Severe pain that is not improving
A loose bracket that remains attached to the wire may not require emergency medical care, but you should still tell us about it. We can determine how soon it needs to be repaired. Our guide to what happens if a bracket falls off explains what to check in the meantime.
What Can You Do Before Your Appointment?
Some orthodontic problems can be made more comfortable at home while you wait for instructions. Orthodontic wax can cover a sharp wire or loose bracket that is irritating your cheek. A clean cotton swab or pencil eraser may also help gently move a poking wire away from the soft tissue.
Tenderness after braces are placed or adjusted can be normal. If you’re new to treatment, our guide to the first week with braces can help you compare expected soreness with a problem that deserves a call. You can also review our braces care information for day-to-day appliance guidance.
Clear aligner users should call if a tray cracks, warps, goes missing, or stops fitting properly. A tray that does not sit flush against your teeth can also signal an Invisalign® tracking issue.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Some situations go beyond an orthodontic office. Seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swallowed orthodontic hardware, significant facial trauma, or signs of a serious infection such as fever or severe swelling.
Once the immediate medical problem is stabilized, our team can coordinate orthodontic follow-up.
Get Help With an Urgent Orthodontic Problem
If you’re currently in treatment and have pain, appliance damage, or a question about your care, call Advanced Orthodontic Care in Denver at 303-331-0222. We can often arrange same-day priority scheduling when needed. New patients with non-medical questions can contact us online, and Dr. Jeff Birg and our team can help determine the appropriate next step.