Emergency Orthodontist — Richardson, TX
Ensuring Pain-Free Orthodontics
Orthodontics goes fairly well for most patients, with no issues cropping up in the treatment. Even so, don't be fooled; you may face an urgent problem related to your procedure. You should see your emergency orthodontist in Richardson if that should happen. By doing so, you'll give Dr. Ortiz a chance to get your smile-straightening treatment sorted. As for how he (and our team) could help, keep reading or book a consultation for the fast care you need!
Why Choose EPO Dental Specialists for Emergency Orthodontic Care?
- Orthodontist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Active Membership in the American Association of Orthodontists
- Dental Insurance Accepted
What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency
While an orthodontic emergency can seem scary, please don’t worry. Our team will walk you through what to do in this kind of situation. All in all, you just need to take the following steps:
- Make a Phone Call – Rather than panic, call our office soon after your emergency occurs. One of our team members will explain how to handle your case. Depending on the situation, they may advise that you use (or apply) dental wax, saltwater rinses, pain relievers, etc.
- Book a Visit – If your problem is severe, we’ll book you for the earliest possible emergency visit at our office. Rest assured that you won’t wait long for this appointment. As for its exact timing, it’ll vary by your emergency’s intensity.
- Get Expert Help – Our practice has the equipment, training, and skill to solve most orthodontic emergencies quickly. That said, you may need a follow-up visit if new parts must be ordered. A referral to your local dentist could also be needed, at least when the emergency stems from a prior health issue. Please visit your local ER directly if your jaw has been broken or dislocated.
The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Though they’re rare, orthodontic emergencies always warrant a trip to our office. We have the resources to address such problems smoothly and effectively. Do note, though, that you can also take steps to handle these issues before you see us. All you’d need to do is click one (or more) of the icons below and use the related instructions.
Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontics can get pricey, so you may worry that emergencies involving it have high treatment prices. (A budget-breaking fix would trade one problem for another.) With that said, the cost of orthodontic emergencies varies; you’ll need to see us for a precise estimate. Our team can then find ways to make your care affordable, all while outlining pricing factors, dental insurance, and so on. We’ll even suggest helpful payment options like flexible financing as needed.
Keys to Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
Whether you have traditional braces or Invisalign, the last thing you want is to sustain a painful orthodontic emergency or add months on to the backend of your treatment. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent that from happening, starting with avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods!
Avoid Particularly Hard, Sticky, or Crunchy Foods
One of the easiest ways to prevent orthodontic emergencies in Richardson is by avoiding foods that can cause one of your brackets or attachments to break. A few examples include raw almonds, hard pretzels, and peanut brittle. It’s also a good idea to limit your intake of caramel-filled candies, taffy, and other sticky sweets that can linger on your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay in the process.
Wear a Mouthguard When You Exercise
Oftentimes, patients assume that they only need to wear a mouthguard if they play a contact sport, like football. However, a bad fall on your bike or a rogue ball to your face while playing tennis can lead to disaster as well. So, it’s important that you always wear a mouthguard. If you don’t have one already, don’t purchase a one-size-fits-all one (they often are uncomfortable and can be a choking hazard). Instead, come to our office so we can have a custom one made for you.
Prioritize Your Progress Visits At Our Office
Our Richardson dental team covers a lot of ground during your check-in visits – from making sure your teeth are moving as anticipated to making the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan if they aren’t. We also use these appointments to examine the condition of your brackets, wires, attachments, or trays with the goal of catching any trouble before it turns into an orthodontic emergency.
Important reminder: If your appliance feels loose or “weird” between visits, don’t wait until the next one! Instead, call us right away so we can learn more about your concerns, assess the urgency of the situation, and schedule an appointment accordingly.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
It’s of the utmost importance that you don’t use your teeth as tools. A few examples include using them to tear open plastic wrapping, remove a bottle cap, or trim your nails. You also shouldn’t chew on ice cubes or anything else that could cause your braces (or your teeth!) to break under the pressure.
Maintain a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen At Home
Remember, the development of tooth decay, gum disease, or any other oral health problems will bring your treatment plan to a temporary stop. So, it’s crucial that you take the right precautions, like brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening. If you have traditional braces, consider purchasing an interproximal toothbrush and pre-threaded floss so you can maneuver around the brackets and wires more easily.
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