Maybe your child suffered a dental mishap when going for the game-winning layup in a neighborhood basketball game. Perhaps you were savoring your favorite hard candy only to have a piece of your braces part ways with your tooth. Believe it or not, these are orthodontic emergencies. 

When urgent situations strike, seeking care at Schatz Orthodontics can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major ordeal. Whether you or your teen have dental braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, below are four unmistakable signs it’s time to visit our Smithson Valley orthodontist. 

#1: Severe Pain

Orthodontic care uses pressure to gently move your teeth to a new alignment. While that can come with some discomfort, it shouldn’t be intensely painful. When it comes to your oral health, any kind of pain should not be taken lightly. It could be a sign of:

• Infections: Braces can create openings around your teeth that become gateways for bacteria and cause significant pain.
• Loose Braces: Dislodged or broken braces and wires can poke or scrape the inside of your mouth, leading to sores and infections.
• Misaligned Bite: If your braces or clear aligners aren’t aligned right for your treatment, causing pain, you need adjustments from our Stone Oak orthodontist.

Ignoring pain can lead to more severe problems, including permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Remember, orthodontic issues are progressive and tend to worsen without treatment. Immediate attention can alleviate your suffering and prevent progressive problems.

#2: Swelling or Redness

Swelling or redness are clear signs of infection. Infections in your mouth can quickly spread throughout your body, leading to severe consequences if not treated early. Symptoms like fever, facial swelling, and difficulty swallowing are indications that the infection is spreading and require immediate medical attention. Early intervention at Schatz Orthodontics not only resolves the immediate issue but also prevents potential complications.

#3: Trauma or Injury

Accidents happen, and when they impact your teeth or orthodontic appliances, it can constitute an emergency. A sudden blow to the mouth can cause brackets to pop off, teeth to chip or crack, and Invisalign aligners to bend or break. 

Even if the injury doesn’t appear immediately severe, the force of an impact could still cause problems that are not visible. Our prompt orthodontic attention can make sure there isn’t more going on and can help you get your treatment plan back on track. If you or your child suffered injury during sports or hobbies, we can also help prevent future problems with custom mouthguards. 

#4: Loose or Broken Appliances

If you notice that any part of your orthodontic device is loose, broken, or missing, contact our Smithson Valley orthodontist right away. Misaligned or damaged orthodontic appliances can be less effective, or worse, cause harm. Let us make sure your device is working optimally.

Orthodontic Treatment in Stone Oak and Smithson Valley

Understanding when orthodontic issues are emergencies can be the difference between a quick fix and long-term complications. It’s vital to recognize these signs and seek immediate care at Schatz Orthodontics in the event of an emergency. Remember that our orthodontist, Dr. Eric Schatz, is here to help through all stages of your orthodontic journey, including emergencies. Contact us today for urgent care.