Emergency Orthodontist — Wayland, MA

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

Here’s a brief overview of what steps you should take if you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency:

1. Call Our Office – When we receive your call, we’ll ask that you explain your symptoms and the nature of your emergency to us. Most orthodontic emergencies can be handled at home with simple solutions including using wax, rinsing with saltwater, taking OTC pain relievers, or something similar. If you’re ever unsure about what to do, please give us a call!
2. Schedule an Appointment – If your issue cannot be handled over the phone, we’ll let you know when you need to come in. Depending on the severity of your issue, it might be on that very same day; however, it’s possible that things can wait until your next routine check-in.
3. Get the Care You Need – Most of the time, we can quickly, easily, and affordably handle orthodontic emergencies. You may need to come back for a follow-up appointment if new parts need to be ordered, such as a new aligner. Of course, if you’re feeling pain, we’ll quickly resolve it!

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

The bottom line is that true orthodontic emergencies aren’t very common, though they aren’t entirely possible. In reality, most situations can be handled quite easily and aren’t necessarily urgent. In any case, you still need to be able to recognize when something’s amiss with your orthodontic treatment, and you should still call us promptly to ensure the issue is corrected. In the meantime, here are some examples of common orthodontic emergencies that our team here in Wayland can help with.

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies  

There is no “set” price for emergency orthodontic care – the nature of every emergency differs, not to mention that every patient’s treatment is customized for their own smile. That said, we cannot give you an accurate price estimate until you’ve come in for an examination and we’ve discussed possible treatment options. Our practice is happy to accept insurance and MassHealth, as well as offer numerous flexible financing options. If you have any questions about payment, our team can provide you with answers; we’re determined to get your smile the care it needs at a price you can afford!

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies 

Above all else, it’s better to try to prevent orthodontic emergencies from occurring in the first place rather than having them treated after the fact. Even though this won’t always be possible, there’s quite a bit you can do to drastically lower your risk of dental injury or damage to your orthodontic appliances. Consider these tips:

• Brush and floss daily to ensure optimal oral health; cavities can still form during orthodontic treatment!
• Avoid biting into particularly hard or chewy items and adhere to all dietary guidelines provided by your orthodontist.
• Wear a special mouthguard during sports or physical activities to protect your smile from unexpected physical impacts.