If you experience an orthodontic emergency in Washington, DC, we urge you to call us at Liang Orthodontics as soon as possible. Please do not directly come to our office with an emergency; call us so that we can set aside time to see you and properly address your problem. If you need an appliance repaired, please contact our office at 202-966-7711 immediately, even if you have a regular appointment scheduled with our orthodontists, Drs. Liang and Liang.
Most orthodontic emergencies can be avoided with proper care – such as avoiding foods that can damage your appliances, and wearing sports mouth guards while participating in athletic activities, for example. If you do experience an orthodontic emergency, please contact our office as soon as possible to let us know that you will need your appliance repaired. Our orthodontists and team will provide you with instructions on what to do with your appliance until you can come into our office.
Common orthodontic emergencies include:
- Loose Brackets or Bands – If your brackets, band, or wires become loose, please contact our office immediately. Our orthodontists can repair or refit your brackets. You may also need to slide off one of your brackets before you can come into our office.
- Wire Irritations or Poking – If the wires of your braces are irritating your cheeks and gums, you can temporarily resolve the issue by moving the wire away from the irritated area. Cotton swabs, erasers, and wax work well for this. If you cannot remove the wire, cover the end of it with a small piece of cotton or wax to relieve the irritation. If the wire remains painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to resolve this problem.
- Lost Separators – Many patients lose one of their separators during their treatment. If you lose one of your separators, call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
- Discomfort with Braces – Feeling discomfort for the first week after your braces are placed, and for a day or so after a routine adjustment, is common. You can use a warm washcloth or a heating pad to reduce soreness in the jaws, and can take mild pain relievers such as if needed. If soreness persists for more than a few days, please contact our office.
If you experience an orthodontic emergency, please contact our office as soon as possible. We are here to help you!
