Emergency Orthodontic Care: What to Do in Dubai

Orthodontic emergencies can occur at any time, causing discomfort, pain, or damage to your orthodontic appliances. Whether it's a broken bracket, a poking wire, or severe discomfort, knowing how to handle these situations can make a significant difference in your orthodontic treatment journey. Orthodontists Clinic Dubai, emergency orthodontic care is readily available, but understanding what steps to take before you reach the orthodontist is crucial.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

1. Broken Brackets:

• Causes: Brackets can break or become loose due to eating hard or sticky foods, injury, or biting on objects.
• Immediate Action: Use orthodontic wax to cover the bracket if it’s causing irritation. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible.

2. Poking Wires:

• Causes: Wires can shift or become long due to tooth movement, leading to irritation of the gums or cheeks.
• Immediate Action: Use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to push the wire into a less irritating position. Orthodontic wax can be used to cover the wire until you see your orthodontist.

3. Loose Bands:

• Causes: Bands around molars can become loose due to chewing hard foods or improper oral care.
• Immediate Action: If the band is still attached to the wire, try to reposition it and cover it with wax. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.

4. Lost Ligatures:

• Causes: Ligatures, the small rubber bands or wires that hold the bracket to the wire, can come off due to eating or brushing.
• Immediate Action: If a rubber ligature comes off, you may try to put it back using clean tweezers. For missing wire ligatures, contact your orthodontist for instructions.

5. Tooth Pain or Discomfort:

• Causes: Normal adjustment period after getting braces tightened, or potential issues with the appliance.
• Immediate Action: Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can help. Rinsing with warm salt water may also alleviate discomfort. If pain persists, contact your orthodontist.

6. Mouth Sores:

• Causes: Braces can sometimes cause sores on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue.
• Immediate Action: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Use orthodontic wax to cover the parts of the braces that are causing irritation.

Steps to Handle Orthodontic Emergencies in Dubai

1. Assess the Situation: Determine the severity of the issue. Some discomfort is normal, but if the problem is causing significant pain or potential damage to your braces, it qualifies as an emergency.

2. Temporary Fixes:

• Orthodontic Wax: Available at most pharmacies, orthodontic wax can cover sharp or irritating parts of braces.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
• Salt Water Rinse: A warm salt water rinse can alleviate minor discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

3. Contact Your Orthodontist:

• Emergency Contact: Keep your orthodontist’s emergency contact number handy. In Dubai, many clinics offer emergency services or have arrangements for urgent care.
• Describe the Issue: Clearly explain the problem to the orthodontist’s office. They can provide specific instructions or schedule an emergency appointment.

4. Visit the Orthodontist: If the issue cannot be resolved with temporary measures, visit your orthodontist as soon as possible. Most clinics in Dubai are equipped to handle emergencies promptly.

Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

1. Diet Modifications:

• Avoid Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, and ice can damage braces.
• Avoid Sticky Foods: Gum, caramel, and sticky candies can get caught in braces and cause problems.
• Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: Chewing on smaller pieces reduces the risk of damaging braces.

2. Proper Oral Hygiene:

• Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that can cause issues.
• Floss Daily: Use orthodontic floss threaders or water flossers to clean between teeth.
• Rinse: Use mouthwash to reduce the risk of infections and keep your mouth clean.

3. Protective Gear for Sports:

• Mouthguards: Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth during contact sports or activities.

4. Follow Orthodontist’s Instructions: Adhere to the guidelines provided by your orthodontist regarding appliance care and maintenance. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure everything is in good condition.

FAQs

1. What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency? An orthodontic emergency includes severe pain, broken or loose appliances, poking wires, or anything causing significant discomfort or risk of injury.

2. How can I temporarily fix a broken bracket? Cover the broken bracket with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation and contact your orthodontist for an appointment.

3. What should I do if a wire is poking my cheek? Use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to push the wire into a more comfortable position. Cover it with orthodontic wax until you can see your orthodontist.

4. How do I handle mouth sores caused by braces? Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash and use orthodontic wax to cover the braces causing irritation.

5. Can I fix a lost ligature at home? If it's a rubber ligature, you can try to replace it with clean tweezers. For wire ligatures, contact your orthodontist for guidance.