Orthodontic Emergencies — Plano, TX

Every Orthodontic Emergency is Different

We would love to be able to give you an accurate idea of the pricing involved before you arrive, but the truth is that there’s no way we can know what’s involved until we have a chance to examine you. Some urgent situations require simple, inexpensive solutions like providing wax to cover abrasive brackets that have rubbed your mouth raw. However, other more severe situations will inevitably require more complex and involved procedures that increase the amount owed. We’ll always walk you through the various options and their costs before we proceed so you are well informed.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

Most insurance providers do include some form of coverage for orthodontic emergencies. Plus, we’re an in-network provider and accept many different policies which saves patients 20% on average. However, each plan is different so it’s important to understand what’s included in yours. In most cases, you’ll have a deductible that needs to be met before services kick in. Also, there may be restrictions on what’s covered. For example, if you’ve lost or damaged a retainer, you may be responsible for replacing it yourself.

If you’re concerned that your policy won’t cover the necessary services, please let us know and our friendly staff would be happy to go over your insurance with you to help you maximize your benefits.

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergencies Affordable

We believe that your oral health deserves to be prioritized and we don’t want cost to come between you and getting the treatments you need. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry! We offer flexible financing plans in-house that allow you to make payments in affordable monthly installments. Our team understands that everyone’s financial situation is unique and will work with you to create a plan that won’t break the bank.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

While some orthodontic emergencies are unavoidable and beyond your control, others can be prevented. Keeping up with routine appointments allows us to address any areas of concern to prevent potential problems later. Also, following any instructions provided to care for your orthodontics helps ensure that everything remains in good condition so it’s less likely to have any issues. For instance, you should continue to brush and floss your teeth as well as clean any dental equipment consistently to prevent plaque buildup that causes cavities and gum disease. Also, avoiding overly hard or sugary foods that cause damage can avoid problems like broken wires, brackets, aligners, etc. Feel free to contact us for additional information about proper maintenance if you have any questions.

Visit Your Dentist and Orthodontist Regularly

Throughout your teeth-straightening journey, you’ll come to our office for routine visits. At this time, we will adjust your braces and check each bracket and wire. Of course, it’s equally as important that you visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. That way, they can detect problems like tooth decay in the early stages while also helping to prevent others from developing!

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Your morning and nighttime oral hygiene regimen is crucial for numerous reasons, including that they help prevent cavities and gum disease. We recommend using a proxy brush to clean around your brackets and underneath your wire since these specialized toothbrushes can prevent food particles and bacteria from adhering to the small crevices of your appliances and teeth. You should also floss between your teeth after eating, as food can easily become stuck, causing an increased risk for tooth decay as well as potential discomfort.

Bonus tip: Clean your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove bacteria and food particles. It can also be helpful to soak your retainer in a denture cleaner!

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Stay away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can damage your brackets, wires, and teeth. A few examples include tortilla chips, thin pizza crust, raw nuts, and popcorn. Whether it is causing a metal appliance to pop out of place or chipping a tooth, it’s best to avoid these at all costs. Instead, fill your plate with smile-friendly foods, like oatmeal and plain yogurt.

Wear a Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard while playing any type of sport or engaging in physical activity is vital. Otherwise, you would wind up with a loose bracket, broken wire, or even a knocked-out tooth! So, make sure you are wearing one, even if you participate in a non-contact sport, like skateboarding or surfing.

Important note: You should also wear one if you are prone to teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Remember, your teeth should not be used to remove a bottle cap, tear into plastic wrapping, hold your keys, or bite your nails. These are just a few of the many ways that you can damage your teeth and your braces, warranting an immediate visit to our Plano orthodontic office.

When should an orthodontic emergency warrant a visit to the ER?

It should come as a welcomed relief that most orthodontic emergencies can be treated in-house. Dr. Jones and Dr. Amerson are fully aware and equipped to provide immediate assistance should an injury occur. However, certain cases may require you to first visit your local emergency room. Continuous bleeding from the mouth, increased swelling, and a fractured jaw are all reasons to bypass our office and get to an ER first. Once your symptoms are addressed, you can then come to see us for additional treatment.

What should I do if an emergency occurs while I’m out of town?

You may feel panicked should an accident occur while on vacation or while away on business but knowing what to do will help you feel more confident and comfortable. Should you be out of town and an orthodontic emergency occur, you’ll need to find a local orthodontist who can administer immediate help. You’ll also want to call our office and tell us about your situation. Based on the information received, we can determine if you should see us when you return from your trip.

Will insurance cover the cost of an orthodontic emergency?

Every dental insurance plan is different, so you’ll need to review your policy to determine if you will be expected to pay out of pocket for this type of visit. If you have a broken or lost retainer or appliance, there’s a good chance you will receive a bill for this particular instance. If you have an insurance plan that offers orthodontic coverage, you’ll need to be mindful of your annual maximum, as it is unlikely your insurer will pay for anything over the allotted amount provided. Fortunately, our dental team at Willow Bend Orthodontics of Plano can work on your behalf to help you get the answers you need to make the right decision for your smile. While you should never put off emergency care out of fear you cannot afford it, you can trust that we will work with you to identify ways to keep your treatment affordable.

Will my toothache go away on its own?

If you have a toothache, especially if it’s severe or lingering, you should come see us as soon as possible. Unlike most parts of your body, your teeth don’t have the ability to heal themselves. So, if a toothache does go away on its own, it may be because the nerves inside the tooth have been killed. Tooth pain can happen for many reasons, including sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, cavities, or even orthodontic adjustments. However, we’ll need to examine your mouth to determine the cause and perform appropriate treatment. The sooner you come in, the less chance your issue has of getting worse and costing you more to resolve.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

Toothaches can be uncomfortable to deal with, especially when you’re trying to sleep. However, there are some simple things you can do to reduce the throbbing and discomfort so you can rest easier.

• Elevate your head so that blood doesn’t accumulate. This will often decrease the intensity of your toothache.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
• Use oral gel medications containing benzocaine. These can be swabbed around the affected area and will gently numb the pain.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Be sure to wrap it in a paper towel or cloth to avoid skin contact. In addition, only use it for 10 minutes at a time, giving your skin at least 20 minutes to rest before using it again.

What should I keep in my orthodontic emergency kit?

If you want to be prepared for several different orthodontic emergencies, a travel-sized kit is a great way to keep supplies close at hand. Here are some things to keep inside:

• Sterile gloves (nitrile)
• Cotton balls
• Interdental brushes
• Floss threaders
• Anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen)
• Dental wax
• A hand mirror
• Topical anesthetic

In addition to these items, it’s good to keep a card with our office’s contact information on it just in case. With a little preparation and forethought, you can quickly care for your teeth until you see us for your appointment. Using the right tool at the right time could mean the difference between keeping your orthodontic treatment on track and dealing with a major setback.