Emergency Orthodontist – Houston, TX
Address the Unexpected with Timely Emergency Care
At Hall Orthodontics & TMJ, we understand that a broken bracket, wire, or other orthodontic emergency can impact your entire day by causing discomfort and concern. That’s why we’re happy to offer orthodontic emergency care in Houston. If you find yourself in a situation that requires urgent attention, simply call our office and we’ll try to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible so you can quickly find the relief you need.
Why Choose Hall Orthodontics & TMJ for Orthodontic Emergency Treatment?
- A Passionate Orthodontist with 28+ Years of Experience
- We Accept & Maximize Most Dental Insurance Plans
- Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens & Adults
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What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency
- Call Our Office. The first step you should always take in the middle of an orthodontic emergency is to call our office. We try to fit all of our patients with urgent needs in as soon as possible to minimize discomfort. Over the phone, we’ll also walk you through first aid guidance and steps we advise you to take to manage your situation until you reach us.
- See Dr. Hall for an Emergency Examination. Once you arrive at our office, Dr. Tom Hall and our experienced dental staff will get to work examining your orthodontic appliance and smile. This may require collecting diagnostic images, like X-rays. Dr. Hall will review his findings with you, along with his recommended treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.
- Get the Treatment You Need. After all of your questions and concerns are answered and you understand your treatment options, you can consent to the recommended procedure. In many cases, our team can quickly jump into action fixing your appliance, but if your discomfort is due to an underlying oral health issue, we may recommend that you visit your general dentist.
Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies can come in different forms. What specific steps should you take when something goes awry with your treatment? Of course, you should call us as your emergency orthodontist in Houston. You can also apply these general guidelines for how to handle some of the most common orthodontic emergencies:
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
Dr. Hall and our Houston team are ready to assist you if you experience any orthodontic emergencies during your treatment period. Of course, we are sure that you would prefer to prevent such a situation from occurring in the first place! How can you reduce your risk of an unpleasant incident? Here are some practical guidelines:
Keep Up With Your Orthodontic Checkups
We will schedule you for an appointment every several weeks so we can check on your treatment’s progress, adjust your braces, and provide you with tips to help you minimize any potential problems. If we notice any signs of damage to your braces, or we see evidence of habits that could lead to trouble later on, we will attempt to correct such issues ASAP. If possible, do not skip or unnecessarily postpone these visits. They are critical to your treatment’s ultimate outcome!
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more critical during orthodontic treatment. If you have clear aligners, good brushing and flossing habits can keep them clean, functional, and odor-free. With all types of orthodontic treatment, good oral hygiene habits reduce the risk of food and bacteria getting trapped on your teeth and leading to issues like decay, bad breath, gum disease, and other problems that could constitute an emergency.
If you have questions about how to keep your teeth clean throughout your treatment, ask us. We can make product recommendations and demonstrate proper techniques. For example, you might need interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean around braces.
Be Careful With Your Diet
We always provide some dietary tips and guidelines at the start of orthodontic treatment. For example, you should never eat while wearing clear aligners. If you have braces, it is important to avoid extremely hard, sticky, or chewy foods that might damage a bracket or wire. Complying with such instructions can reduce the risk of an orthodontic emergency and spare you from unnecessary discomfort.
Protect Your Pearly Whites with a Mouthguard
Do you like to play sports? Let us know if you are an athlete so we can provide tips for protecting your orthodontic gear. For example, if you have braces, an ordinary sports mouthguard will not provide adequate protection; it might not even fit. A custom orthodontic mouthguard, on the other hand, can reduce the risk of harm to both your oral tissues and your braces.
Remember That Your Teeth Are Not Tools!
Teeth are strong and durable, but they are not invincible. They are designed to help you chew food, not to open packages, trim your fingernails, or cut the tags off new clothing. Using them for such purposes could damage your teeth and your orthodontic appliances. To avoid the temptation to use your teeth as tools, try carrying a small pocketknife or foldable pair of scissors with you.
Orthodontic Emergency FAQs
What Should I Do if My Braces Are Causing Extreme Pain?
A degree of discomfort is normal with orthodontic treatment. However, extreme or intolerable pain is a red flag that deserves professional attention. Call our office and describe the situation in as much detail as possible. Based on what you tell us, we can guide you on your next steps. We might advise you to visit us as soon as possible, or we may tell you to consult with your general dentist.
How Can I Tell If I Should Visit My General Dentist or Orthodontist for Emergency Care?
Your general dentist’s job is to serve as your first-line defense against common oral health problems. They have the knowledge, equipment, and experience to address many issues, and you should visit them if you experience problems like:
- Visible damage to one of your teeth
- A severe, throbbing toothache
- Signs of gum disease
- Any other issues that are not directly related to your orthodontic treatment
On the other hand, you should call our office if you know something is wrong with one of your orthodontic appliances or you have problems that you believe are the direct result of your orthodontic treatment.
If you are still unsure of whom to visit for assistance, give us a call, and we can help you decide on the best course of action.
What Supplies Should I Keep on Hand in Case there Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
If you experience a dental emergency, you may find it helpful to have the following items on-hand:
- Orthodontic wax
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Dental floss and floss threaders
- Interdental brushes
- Extra rubber bands
- A container to store any small, broken orthodontic appliances
Should I Ever Visit the Emergency Room for an Orthodontic Emergency?
For problems related to your braces or other orthodontic appliances, it would be best to visit our office. Emergency room personnel are not trained to handle such situations.
Of course, there are some exceptions. For example, in rare cases, patients may swallow or aspirate (to aspirate means to draw something into the lungs) a small piece of their braces. Emergency room staff can help in circumstances like that.
Use your best judgement, and if you are experiencing any extreme or life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
How Long Can I Wait Before My Emergency Orthodontic Appointment?
In most cases, orthodontic emergencies are not as urgent as other types of emergencies. You might be able to safely wait a few days before you visit us. However, keep in mind that unnecessary or lengthy delays could interfere with the progress of your treatment. Try to seek care as soon as you can.