Emergency Orthodontist in Cedar Park, TX
Looking for an emergency orthodontist in Cedar Park? True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but broken brackets, poking wires, and loose appliances are not. Call Cedar Park Smiles at (512) 219-1389 and we will tell you what to do now and get you in for a repair.
Something came loose, something is poking, or something hurts, and you need to know whether it can wait. Usually it can. Call us for severe pain or an appliance problem you cannot manage yourself, and we will schedule a repair visit. If we are closed, start with the guidance below.
When to Call Us Right Away
Call as soon as you can if you have:
- Severe pain that home care does not relieve
- Swelling, or a wire or appliance that has cut the gum or cheek
- A wire you cannot move, cover, or clip
- A loose or broken appliance you cannot remove
- An injury to the mouth or teeth, especially after a sports accident
Trauma to the face or a knocked out tooth is a medical and dental emergency. Contact your dentist or an emergency room first, then call us so we can protect your treatment.
What You Can Do Until Your Appointment
Many problems can be handled at home temporarily.
General soreness. Teeth are often tender for three to five days after braces are placed or adjusted. Stick to soft foods until chewing is comfortable. Rinse with warm salt water, using about one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Acetaminophen helps if you need it. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium can slow tooth movement, so avoid using them routinely during treatment.
Irritated lips or cheeks. Your mouth needs one to two weeks to get used to the surface of braces. Orthodontic wax over the bracket usually solves it.
Poking wire. Use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat, or cover the end with wax.
Loose wire. Try to guide the wire back into place with tweezers. A piece of floss tied around the bracket can hold it. If that does not work, clip the wire behind the last tooth it is attached to and cover the sharp end with wax.
Loose bracket or band. If it is still attached to the wire, leave it and add wax for comfort. If it comes off easily, put it in an envelope and bring it to your appointment.
Loose appliance or expander. Cover the part that is poking with wax and call us.
Lost or cracked aligner. Do not skip ahead. Go back to your previous aligner and call us.
After you have taken care of the discomfort, still call the office. An appliance left damaged for weeks can push your finish date back.
Are You an Existing Patient or Not?
If you are our patient, call us and we will take care of it, and appliance related emergency visits are included in your treatment fee.
If you are in treatment somewhere else, whether traveling or new to Cedar Park, call us anyway. We will get you comfortable and tell you whether to return to your original office or continue here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there such a thing as an emergency orthodontist? A: Yes, in the sense that orthodontic offices keep time open for repairs. Most orthodontic emergencies are appliance problems rather than medical ones, and they are handled during office hours.
Q: Can I go to a different orthodontist for an emergency? A: Yes. Any orthodontic office can relieve an urgent problem, and we regularly help visitors and patients who have moved. Continuing treatment here is a separate conversation.
Q: Does an orthodontic emergency visit cost extra? A: For our patients, emergency visits related to your appliances are covered in your treatment fee. If you are not our patient, we will explain any charge first.
Q: What if something breaks over the weekend? A: Use the home care above to stay comfortable, then call us when we open. We are here Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Very few appliance problems get worse over two days.
Call Us
Cedar Park Smiles 100 N Lakeline Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 219-1389 Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
