Emergency Orthodontic Care
in Kitchener, ON

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How to Navigate Emergencies and Accidents

Orthodontic emergencies are not common; however, it’s possible that you may encounter an appliance issue or discomfort at some point during your treatment.

If you experience severe discomfort or an appliance issue that you cannot resolve independently, we’re here to assist. Call us at your earliest convenience, and we’ll set up an appointment at our next available time. 

If you experience a problem outside of our office hours, leave a message, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Use our tips below to help manage the situation until your appointment.

What Is Considered An Emergency?

An orthodontic emergency is a problem with your orthodontic appliance that requires your orthodontic specialist to resolve. This includes any problem with your appliance(s) that you cannot fix on your own, such as a bracket that has fallen off a tooth.

A lost appliance, such as clear aligners, or severe discomfort that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, may also warrant a visit. Please call us so we can help you determine the next steps.

Managing Soreness or Discomfort

You may experience some soreness and tenderness immediately after getting braces or having an adjustment. We recommend eating soft foods to reduce discomfort during this time. You may also take an over-the-counter medication to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tynenol®). We don’t typically recommend medications such as Aspirin® or ibuprofen, as they can affect the movement of your teeth during treatment.

It’s normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to need time to adjust to braces. We’ll provide dental wax for you to take home and show you how to use it. If you’re experiencing irritation in a specific spot, try applying dental wax to this area of the braces to improve comfort.

Temporary At-Home Solutions

While emergencies are rare, there are instances where you might need a temporary solution before your appointment. Here’s how you can manage some common orthodontic issues:

  • Loose parts: If any piece on your braces becomes loose, carefully remove it and store it in a plastic bag or envelope to bring to your next appointment.
  • Brace discomfort: If your braces are causing discomfort to your lips, cheeks, or tongue, apply dental wax to the spot causing the discomfort.
  • Wire issues: If a piece of wire has shifted, carefully use needle-nosed pliers to guide it back into place. If discomfort persists, you can clip the wire with fingernail clippers as a last resort. Apply dental wax to any sharp ends.

In any of these situations, addressing your discomfort is just the first step. You’ll still need to contact us for an appointment to permanently fix the issue to avoid any potential delays in your treatment plan.

Specific Appliance Issues

If you encounter any of these specific appliance issues, follow these tips to improve your comfort until your appointment.

  • Loose brackets or bands: If you have loose brackets still attached to the wire, leave them as is. If they are detachable or at risk of falling off, remove them and store them in a plastic bag or envelope until your appointment.
  • Ligatures fall off: Ligatures are the small donut-shaped elastics around each bracket that keep the wire attached to the brace. If the ligature is still partially attached or found, use small tweezers to replace it. If lost, book an appointment.
  • Lost appliances: Keep your removable appliance in its case when you’re not wearing it to avoid misplacing it. If you lose your appliance, call us immediately to schedule an appointment. If you wear Invisalign®, we may recommend that you move to the next set of aligners early. If our office is not open, wear your previous set until we provide further instructions.

Note: lost, broken, or damaged appliances may require replacement fees.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

We’re here to make sure your orthodontic treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. If you’re experiencing issues with your treatment, whether large or small, we want to help you solve them. 

Our team is committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout your treatment. We’re here to answer your questions. If you’re struggling with discomfort or need assistance with a lost or broken part, give us a call right away.

Visit Our Location

Find us in The Boardwalk shopping centre on the second floor of building 235. We’re just across the parking lot from Staples and above Popeyes and Booster Juice.

Our Address

  • 235 The Boardwalk Suite 201
  • Kitchener, ON N2N 0B1

Contact Information

Hours Of Operation

Monday:
9:00 AM 2:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Thursday:
12:00 PM 7:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM 2:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed

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