Emergency Orthodontic Care You Can Count On in St. Charles, IL
We always want your experience with braces or Invisalign® treatment to be as smooth as possible. However, the unexpected can happen during treatment. If an orthodontic emergency occurs, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re dealing with a broken bracket, poking wires, or general soreness, we’re here to help with expert, reliable care.
As a trusted provider serving the St. Charles community for over 30 years, we’ve helped countless patients of all ages navigate orthodontic emergencies with confidence. If you’re currently experiencing an issue or are unsure if your concern qualifies as an emergency, use this guide to learn what to do and when to contact us.
What Are Emergencies in Orthodontics?
Not every unexpected discomfort during treatment is an emergency, but there are certain situations that require immediate attention. A true orthodontic emergency is rare, but typically involves:
- Intense or sudden pain
- Traumatic injury to the mouth, teeth, or jaw
- Swelling or bleeding of the gums or mouth
- You’re not able to eat, speak, or function comfortably
If you’re unsure whether your issue is urgent, give us a call at 630-584-6555. We’re always happy to walk you through the next steps.
Handling Orthodontic Emergencies -
What You Can Do at Home
Most orthodontic obstacles you can run into during your treatment can be handled at home, at least temporarily. Here’s a list of the most frequent orthodontic treatment issues we’ve seen and how to manage them until you can visit our office:
Loose or Broken Brackets
This is a common issue that can occur from eating sticky or hard foods. If a bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to avoid irritation. If it falls off completely, store it somewhere secure and bring it to your next appointment.
Poking or Protruding Wires
Wires can shift and begin poking into the cheek or gums. You can try using a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place. Orthodontic wax can also be used to cover the area and reduce irritation. If you’re not able to correct it yourself, give us a call and we’ll adjust it in our office so it’s no longer bugging you.
Loose Bands or Spacers
If a band or spacer becomes loose or dislodged, avoid trying to fix it yourself. Keep the piece and call our office for instructions.
General Soreness
It’s normal to feel some soreness when you first start treatment or after your braces are adjusted. To help with soreness, stick to soft foods, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and use over-the-counter pain medications if approved by your doctor. Cold treats like ice cream can help too! This discomfort should fade within a few days, but if it doesn’t, give us a call.
Lost or Damaged Retainers or Aligners
If your Invisalign® aligners or retainers are lost or damaged, contact our office. We’ll be able to evaluate whether you should come in for a replacement right away or if it can wait until your next appointment with us. It’s good practice to keep your previous set of clear aligners so that you have a backup set in case of damage or loss.
Teeth or Jaw Injury
If you experience any type of injury to your mouth, including the jaw or teeth, contact us immediately. We may have to coordinate with your general dentist and an oral surgeon, depending on how severe the injury is. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to the affected area to help with pain and swelling.
Here When You Need Us Most
If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact our St. Charles office at 630-584-6555 for immediate support. Our team will help you determine the severity of your situation, provide at-home instructions if necessary, and schedule your emergency appointment as quickly as possible.
You can count on Prose Orthodontics for calm, compassionate care when you need it most. Whether it’s a minor fix or urgent treatment, we’re here to help you get back to a smooth, stress-free orthodontic experience.
Emergency Orthodontics Reviews
The staff at Prose Orthodontics is absolutely wonderful! From the moment you walk in, everyone is so friendly and welcoming; you really feel like you’re among old friends. That made such a difference for me as a 41-year-old getting orthodontic treatment for the first time in my life and feeling a little nervous about the process.The assistant who put my brackets on was so kind and explained everything clearly, which immediately put me at ease. Dr. Tara is knowledgeable, reassuring, and has such positive energy that she made the whole experience feel much less intimidating.I also have a personal connection to Prose—my sister got an amazing smile after several other doctors told her she would need jaw surgery. Because of her experience and results, I felt completely confident choosing Prose for myself.I’m so excited to finally be on my way to having straight teeth! I couldn’t be happier with my decision to start this journey with such a wonderful team!
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