Delivering beautiful smiles

Sadowski Orthodontic logo
,
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.
Request a Call Back

Emergency Info

Emergency Information and Services

  • 20+ Years of Experience
  • Board Certified
  • Interest Free Payment Plans Available
  • Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider 
This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.

Hours:

This is a placeholder for the Yext Knolwedge Tags. This message will not appear on the live site, but only within the editor. The Yext Knowledge Tags are successfully installed and will be added to the website.

Know When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

At first, having treatment from Sadowski Orthodontics may take a little getting used to. It isn't uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it's comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.


If you think you may have an emergency, however, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem: Is it an urgent situation that requires immediate attention, or a minor problem that you can take care of yourself, temporarily, until you can come into our office?

Major Orthodontic or Dental Emergencies Are Rare

There are only a few true orthodontic (or dental) emergencies. They include:


  • Trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth
  • Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face
  • Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas


In any of these situations, you should seek help as soon as possible — go to an emergency room, if that's your best option.


Generally, however, the place to start is with your regular dentist. Remember that he or she is trained to handle a range of dental problems and can most likely offer the necessary diagnostic tools, anesthetics, and treatments you need.

Expert Care and Advice

regarding your orthodontic device

Request a Call Back

My daughter has been going to Dr. Sadowski’s office for about a year and the staff and Dr. Sadowski are super-friendly. They are all very knowledgeable and ready to accept any challenge!!

- Christine Zerbe

If, for example, you have a fractured tooth, your dentist will treat the immediate problem and arrange for the tooth's restoration; afterwards your orthodontic treatment plan can be adjusted as needed.


Likewise, severe pain or swelling could be a sign of infection or disease, which a dentist or periodontist is best able to treat.

How to Deal With Minor Orthodontic Troubles

Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it's best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort, and then call our office to schedule an appointment; that way, we can allot sufficient time to take care of you.


Here are a few of the more common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home.


Loose or broken brackets, bands or wires
This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky candy or food, or by playing with the braces. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don't connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it's irritating the inside of your mouth.


If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment!


Misplaced or poking archwire, bracket or tie
As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip.


If the wire won't move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol — but before doing so, please call our office for our guidance or instructions. Often, you can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie that's causing problems.


When wires or brackets cause irritation, covering the metal parts with wax will often help ease the discomfort. As with any of these types of problems, call our office and we'll schedule a time to see you.


General tooth pain or loosening
It's normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment — that shows they're moving! Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted.


For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day salt-water rinse may also help: Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief.


While actual emergencies are rare, our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. If you need additional advice, don't hesitate to call

Learn More About

Sadowski Orthodontics

Play Video
Share by: