If you are in severe pain, have bleeding that cannot be stopped, or have an infectious swelling, those are true emergencies that need to be addressed right away, and it is recommended that you call the after-hours number to reach our office. In the event of an emergency and you cannot get ahold of us, do not hesitate to call 911 or visit the emergency room.
True dental emergencies are rare in orthodontics. Most orthodontic emergencies are issues that can be addressed at home to make the patient more comfortable until they can be handled the next day the office is open. Below are common examples and methods to address them:
Lost or broken tray: Return to wearing the previous tray and call the next business day so that we can order you a replacement tray. For example, if you are currently wearing tray 17 and it is accidentally lost, simply wear tray 16 as you wait for a replacement for tray 17.
Attachment is missing/broken: Wait until the next business day and call the office to set up a time to have it replaced.
Button for elastics is missing/broken: Discontinue wearing ALL elastics (rubber bands) and call the office the next business day to set up a time to have the button replaced.
Tray not fitting well: If you have been wearing your new tray for more than 5 days and it does not appear to be fitting well around the tooth/teeth please call the office during business hours to report this issue.
Elastics (rubber bands): Sometimes discomfort is caused by not wearing your elastics as instructed by your orthodontist. Elastics are typically worn full time with the exception of eating meals and brushing your teeth. The elastics should hurt less the more they are worn, so be sure you get in the prescribed number of hours. Taking long breaks from wearing your elastics allows the teeth to shift back towards their original position causing more discomfort than when worn continuously. Each patient’s elastic prescription varies so please refer to the specific instructions provided by Dr. Courtney. If the button or hook is missing or damaged and is preventing you from wearing your elastics, please call our office the next business day for assistance. If you lose your package of elastics or need more prior to your regularly scheduled visit, please stop by the office during business hours and we will be happy to give you more.
Broken or lost retainers: If it is salvageable continue to wear the retainer until you can contact us the next business day and get an appointment for a new set. It is important to not delay too long because the teeth can shift.
Soreness From Invisalign®
Typically, soreness of the teeth begins about 4 hours after the initial insertion of the trays. Peak discomfort occurs within 24 to 48 hours and then begins to subside. You may experience mild discomfort after each tray change, but the soreness is usually not as severe as after the initial placement. Soreness caused by orthodontic treatment is best handled with over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen). Any gum discomfort can be relieved by rinsing with 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. The cheeks, lips and tongue may become irritated for the first couple weeks as you get used to your trays.