Emergency Orthodontist— Naperville, MA

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

Perhaps you (or your child) haven’t faced an orthodontic emergency before. That said, there’s no need to panic; our team will guide you through how to handle it. So, make sure to follow these three guidelines:

• Call Our Office: While most orthodontic emergencies aren’t severe, please call our office. One of our team members can offer tips for managing your problem. In particular, they may suggest using dental wax, rinsing with salt water, or wearing new aligners.
• See Us for a Visit: If we believe your problem can’t be fixed over the phone, we’ll invite you to visit us. This appointment could be a same-day visit if your emergency is severe. Even if it isn’t, we’ll at least book you for the next-soonest availability or a routine checkup.
• Get Crucial Care: Our practice will quickly, easily, and affordably address orthodontic your emergency. However, doing so may require that you return for a follow-up visit. Your treatment could involve new parts or a reference to your general dentist. If your jaw has been broken or dislocated, you’ll also need to visit your local ER. 

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

While orthodontic emergencies aren’t common, you should seek help if you’re worried or in pain. The best move is to thus see us right away, as damaged braces or aligners can harm your treatment progress. Our whole team is very skilled at dealing with common orthodontic emergencies. In fact, we can give you advice on managing your emergency while you wait for care. Just consider the icons below:

Understanding the Cost of Orthodontic Emergencies 

Even when you really need urgent orthodontic care, you may fear the expense. It wouldn’t help much to solve your smile problem by “breaking the bank!” That said, the cost of orthodontic emergencies varies from patient to patient; you need to consult Dr. Nicole for a precise estimate. Our team will also work tirelessly to ensure your treatment is affordable. Indeed, we’ll even lay out your emergency’s pricing factors, payment options, and more.

Keys to Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies

No matter how hard you try, you cannot prevent all dental emergencies; some accidents are bound to happen! The good news is that there are ways you can minimize the potential of serious and prolonged discomfort. Some of the most effective ones include:

Schedule a Dental Visit Twice a Year

Routine visits to our Naperville dental office are important for several reasons, starting with the fact that they ensure tooth decay and other common oral health problems are diagnosed early on. The cleaning portion of the appointment is equally as important since the hard-to-reach areas of your child’s mouth are often missed, especially while their fine motor skills are developing. Rest assured, we will gently remove built-up plaque and tartar, helping maintain their healthy, pain-free smile in the process.

Reinforce Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Consistent brushing and flossing are crucial when it comes to preventing cavities. Of course, getting your child to take care of their smile isn’t always easy. We recommend doing what you can to make dental care fun, from playing upbeat music to putting on an entertaining video. That way, they look forward to their oral hygiene regimen instead of dreading it.

Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

Like many other children, your child may love all things sugar. Unfortunately, ice cream, lollipops, and taffy can quickly lead to tooth decay, especially if consumed in excess. That’s why we encourage parents to focus on adding nutrient-dense foods into their diet. Seasonal fruits are a great option because they are packed with essential vitamins and are naturally sweet!

Have a Custom Mouthguard Made

Does your child play on their school’s football team? Maybe they prefer to play soccer with their friends after school or enjoy a solo activity, like skateboarding. Whatever the case may be, they need to wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and gums. Instead of buying a one-size-fits-all one online (which can be a choking hazard), schedule an appointment with us so we can have a custom one made.

Redirect Bad Dental Habits

Over the years, your child might pick up an unhealthy habit or two, like biting their nails or chewing on the back of their pencil. Since even seemingly harmless habits like these can lead to a serious dental injury, we strongly recommend redirecting them. For example, if they are biting their nails while working on their homework, offer them some sugar-free gum to chew on instead.