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In order to ensure the safety of our patients, our team and the community at large during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are adapting the way that we provide orthodontic treatment

Fairfax | Reston | Springfield

703-719-5828

Emergencies
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Orthodontic Emergencies

Fairfax Braces Springfield Braces Reston Braces

DID YOU KNOW?

Most Orthodontic "Emergencies" Can Be Handled At Home! Keep reading for the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation on handling different types of orthodontic emergencies. Try these solutions before giving us a call!

Tools + supplies: 

  • Orthodontic relief wax
  • Dental floss
  • Disinfected tweezers
  • Q-tips
  • Salt

 

orthodontic-emergencies

Lost o-ring

An o-ring is the tiny rubber band or sometimes a very thin wire (ligature), that holds the orthodontic wire in the bracket/brace. If rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using disinfected tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with the tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Should this happen, be sure to notify your orthodontist and come up with a plan for repair. Note: self- ligating brackets don’t use o-rings.

Protruding wire

Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and can irritate the mouth. Use a Q-tip or clean tweezers and try to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. Should changes with your wires occur during this time be sure to contact your orthodontist to make them aware of the issue.

Irritation in mouth

Sometimes braces or wires can be irritating to the mouth, especially when eating. A small amount of orthodontic relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. Wax can be purchased at any drug store if you are unable to get some from your orthodontist during this time.

Discomfort

It’s normal to have some discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move, however it should not last longer than a couple days. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may alleviate some discomfort. If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple days be sure to call your orthodontist to discuss.

Mouth sores

Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency but may be very uncomfortable. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab - reapply as needed. If after a couple days the discomfort does not resolve, call your orthodontist to discuss.

Loose braces or bands

If the braces or bands have come loose in any way, call your orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps.

Learn more: aaoinfo.org/blog

Patient Love 😍

Ana Huffstetler
a week ago
Super friendly staff. Love having Fatima and Dr Brown taking care of our toddler’s teeth. He had to come a couple of times due to...
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Karin Mahoney
in the last week
I have a VERY anxious son, who despite talking about the dentist, watching videos, you name it, always freaks out. The staff is amazing and...
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Ladan Saifollahi
3 weeks ago
My 3 year old daughter had her first dental appointment last week at Let’s smile dental at Fairfax Corners. She immediately felt comfortable there!...
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Jade Blevins9
3 months ago
We love this place! We have always had an excellent experience here and I recommend this place to every pediatric person I can. I usually...
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Greg Sipp
3 months ago
Friendliest staff around. My daughter was just commenting on two things on the way home. She loves the staff and how great her teeth are...
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Board Certified Orthodontist
American Association of Orthodontists
Let's Smile Is An Invisalign Diamond Provider
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomas Diplomate
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
ABPD-BoardCertified

Hours

Monday - Thursday:   
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Friday:
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Fairfax

4210 Fairfax Corner Avenue West
Suite 245
Fairfax, VA 22030

Services

Fairfax Orthodontics
Fairfax Pediatric Dentistry

Reston

1984 Isaac Newton Square West
Suite 200
Reston, VA 20190

Services

Reston Orthodontics

Springfield

6564 Loisdale Court
Suite 110
Springfield, VA 22150

Services

Springfield Orthodontics
Springfield Pediatric Dentistry
Springfield Oral Surgery

Are you in Fredericksburg? Visit our sister practice, ClearCare Dental!

ClearCare Dental

Let's Smile Dental : Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Implants in Fairfax, Springfield, Reston

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