Emergency Orthodontic Care
Portland, OR
 Sometimes life has a way of throwing a curveball at us that can literally smack us right in the face. Other times, something going on in our mouths regarding orthodontics can cause an inconvenience that is better off being adjusted immediately rather than allowing it to fester into more than an annoyance. Fortunately there are rarely actual orthodontic emergencies to be had, but it is good to know that no matter what is thrown at us, there is someone available to help and Senestraro Family Orthodontics is proud to be able to offer that convenience for you.
What Is Considered an Emergency?
Something that compromises your oral comfort in a significant way, such as trauma, infection, or pain, are things that should be dealt with immediately and should never be something you feel like you have to live with. If you ever feel like your mouth is actually physically hurting, rather than mild discomfort that comes from the natural readjustment phase, please never hesitate to contact us to discuss the issue. Having optimal oral health is the epitome of what we strive to achieve and there is no need for you to be miserable or in pain during the process if we can prevent it.
What To Expect With Realignment
Though many of us would rather not feel any unpleasant experiences during the course of orthodontic treatment, sometimes, through the natural course of realignment, you may feel some twinges and aches. They should never be excruciating, however, and if it ever gets to this point with you, do not hesitate to call us.
If a wire, band, or bracket becomes dislodged, it is very important to contact us so we can get it repaired immediately. Not only does this cause unnecessary discomfort for you, but it can also have a ripple effect on the surrounding teeth. If a piece falls off, bring it with you to your appointment. If it remains in your mouth, leave it there and schedule an appointment as soon as you can.
If the springy part of your brace, known as the archwire, causes you discomfort, you can move it gently with a Q-tip or even the eraser end of a pencil. If it feels especially uncomfortable, you can even clip it with a pair of clean nail clippers, but be sure to talk to us first before you do anything like that. We would not want to cause further irritation or undo any of the hard work we have already put into your realignment.
The process of moving your teeth into an optimal position can be rather uncomfortable at times, and since the readjustment is fairly frequent, this discomfort can become a regular occurrence. It is, however, easy to remedy as this is a crucial part of what the braces are designed for. A warm salt water rinse can help take the edge off the pain, in addition to taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen.
Most discomfort that stems from the realignment phase is quite mild and fades within a couple of days. If it causes significant pain that you feel you are unable to handle, please do not hesitate to give Senestraro Family Orthodontics a call at (503) 228-1945 and we will work with you to schedule an emergency appointment immediately.
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