If you recently got a new orthodontic appliance, you may wonder what you should do for emergency care. Petrunic Orthodontics is Prattville’s go-to for orthodontic emergencies. Now, the best way to prevent an orthodontic emergency is not to have it in the first place. But, sometimes, things happen. Dr. Petrunic wants you to have the info and tools you need if and when an emergency arises.
What Qualifies as an Orthodontic Emergency?
An orthodontic emergency involves situations where there’s severe pain or injury. Other things to look for are broken or damaged appliances. Simply feeling discomfort doesn’t mean you’re having an emergency. Sometimes, you face minor problems that can wait a bit or be managed at home with the proper guidance.
However, knowing how to react when emergencies strike can save you from extra pain. If you’re ever in doubt, contact our Petrunic Orthodontics team. We’re here to help you determine if you need immediate care or if your concern can be resolved with simple at-home solutions. Remember, promptly addressing orthodontic emergencies benefits your health and comfort and ensures your path to a perfect smile stays on track.
Types of Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies can range from minor discomforts to situations requiring immediate attention. Dr. Petrunic wants you to recognize common emergencies to better preserve your care and recovery. Common orthodontic emergencies include severe pain or discomfort, injuries to the mouth or teeth, broken braces or wires, loose brackets or bands, and issues with orthodontic appliances. Here’s how we can help in each of these situations:
Severe Pain or Discomfort
Severe pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relievers may indicate an underlying issue. Petrunic Orthodontics can identify the cause of your pain and adjust your treatment plan or appliances to alleviate the discomfort.
Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
Injuries from sports, accidents, or falls can impact your orthodontic treatment. Our team can assess the damage and make necessary adjustments or repairs to your braces or aligners. Prompt care is essential to prevent further complications.
Broken Braces or Wires
Broken braces or wires can cause irritation and interfere with your treatment. Dr. Petrunic can repair or replace the broken components, often on the same day. That way, you don’t have to sideline your treatment. We can also provide guidance on avoiding similar issues in the future.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Loose brackets or bands can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment and may even lead to longer treatment times if not addressed. Our Prattville team can securely reattach or replace loose parts, ensuring your treatment plan progresses.
Issues with Orthodontic Appliances
Problems with orthodontic appliances, such as retainers or expanders, can hinder treatment progress. An orthodontist can adjust or replace these appliances, ensuring they fit correctly and comfortably. This helps maintain your progress and keeps your treatment moving forward.
How We Help You In Emergencies
At Petrunic Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can be stressful and often come at inconvenient times. That’s why we’ve established a responsive and compassionate approach to handling emergencies.
When you face an orthodontic emergency, our first step is to provide you with immediate guidance over the phone. Our staff will ask you to describe the issue and offer advice on managing your discomfort until you can come to our office. We strive to provide same-day appointments.
Our commitment to our patients extends beyond regular office hours. For after-hours emergencies, we provide clear instructions on how to reach Dr. Petrunic or another on-call team member.
Dr. Petrunic and our experienced team are ready and able to handle various orthodontic emergencies, from broken wires to loose brackets, ensuring minimal disruption to your treatment. We use the latest technology and techniques to make any necessary adjustments or repairs, prioritizing your comfort and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
We emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps to cut down on your risk of emergencies. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid common orthodontic issues:
Adhere to Dietary Guidelines
Avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods can prevent damage to your braces or aligners. These foods can cause breakages to wires and brackets, leading to unnecessary emergencies.
Wear Protective Gear
Do you play sports? Do you like to workout or head out for an early morning jog? Wearing a mouthguard is crucial for you! It protects your braces and your mouth from injuries caused by impacts.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and braces clean reduces the risk of emergencies related to dental health issues, such as infections or severe discomfort.
Regular Check-ups
Attend all of your scheduled orthodontic appointments. These visits allow Dr. Petrunic to monitor your progress and catch potential problems before they become emergencies.
Emergency Orthodontic Care in Prattville
Dr. Petrunic and our devoted team at Petrunic Orthodontics in Prattville will support you through any orthodontic emergency. We want you to understand how to handle orthodontic emergencies and take proactive steps to prevent them. When you do, you’ll know you’re taking charge of your treatment and your future smile. We invite you to experience the difference at Petrunic Orthodontics. Visit us here to schedule your free consultation today.