Emergency Care

Orthodontic Appliance Emergencies

Occasionally, braces or other devices might break or malfunction. If you experience any issues like loose bands, brackets, or discomfort from wires, it’s crucial to contact San Marcos Orthodontics promptly during our regular hours. We cannot accommodate walk-in emergencies, so please call us to schedule an appointment. Here are some tips for managing minor issues until you can be seen:

• If a wire is causing irritation, apply beeswax or gently tuck it under the archwire using something soft like a pencil eraser or a Q-tip.
• Should a band or bracket become loose, it typically stays in place until your appointment. Notify us during patient hours if you encounter this issue, and we will arrange a visit to address the problem.
• If an archwire breaks or pokes you, you might be able to bend it into a more comfortable position using a pencil eraser or trim it with nail clippers. Nevertheless, follow up with us to ensure the issue is adequately resolved.

Direct Injuries to Mouth and Teeth

For injuries directly impacting the mouth or teeth, apply ice immediately to reduce swelling and see your general dentist urgently. An X-ray may be required to assess the extent of the injury. In cases like displaced or knocked-out teeth or significant fractures, your dentist should be your first call. If your orthodontic appliances are affected, let us know after your dentist has addressed the initial injury so we can make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

After-Hours Emergencies

If you experience severe pain or an urgent issue outside of our business hours, please contact San Marcos Orthodontics for guidance. We provide information on how to reach us or an on-call service for emergencies when the office is closed.

Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to providing the necessary assistance to address any orthodontic emergencies you may encounter.