Emergency Orthodontic Care in Colorado Springs, CO

Not every issue with braces or aligners requires urgent care, but some situations should not wait. An orthodontic emergency typically involves pain, injury, or damage that affects your ability to eat, speak, or stay comfortable throughout the day. For example, trauma to the mouth, noticeable swelling, or a broken appliance that is cutting your cheeks or gums should be addressed quickly. If something feels worse than typical adjustment soreness, it is worth getting checked.

At Sanders Orthodontics, our goal is to make sure every patient in Colorado Springs, CO, feels supported and informed. If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, reaching out to a trusted orthodontist can give you peace of mind and help prevent small issues from becoming bigger concerns. Having a reliable orthodontist to turn to makes all the difference when the unexpected happens.

Step-by-Step Emergency Instructions

If you run into a problem at home, there are a few simple steps you can take to stay comfortable until you visit us for emergency orthodontic care. If a wire is poking, try gently moving it with a cotton swab or pencil eraser, then cover the area with wax. If a bracket becomes loose, leave it in place and avoid chewing on that side, using wax if it is irritating your cheek or gums. For sore or irritated areas, rinsing with warm salt water can help reduce discomfort. If an aligner is lost or damaged, wear your previous aligner if available and contact our office for guidance.

These temporary solutions are meant to help you stay comfortable, not replace professional treatment. Our team at Sanders Orthodontics will make sure everything is properly adjusted once you come in.

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What Can I Expect During An Emergency Visit?

Unexpected orthodontic issues can feel stressful, especially for kids and teens. When you come in for emergency orthodontic care, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, friendly environment where your comfort comes first. Our team will carefully evaluate the issue, explain what’s going on in clear terms, and provide a quick, effective solution—whether it’s a simple adjustment or a repair.

At Sanders Orthodontics, families throughout Colorado Springs, CO, trust us for care that is both advanced and personal. If you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency, contact us right away for prompt, compassionate emergency orthodontic care so we can help you feel better and keep your treatment on track.

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Emergency Care and Maintenance

What foods should I avoid with braces?

In general, foods that are difficult to chew, crunchy, sticky, or otherwise require a lot of force to eat should be avoided. We cannot list all of the foods that should be avoided, but the principle is to avoid excessive force being placed upon the brackets. Braces are designed to separate from the tooth in the presence of excess force. This allows the orthodontist to remove the braces without damaging the teeth.

Additionally, food and drinks high in acidic or sugary content such as soda, sour candy, and fruit juices, should be avoided to protect your tooth enamel.

How do I handle discomfort from braces or aligners?

Discomfort from braces is temporary. After appointments, teeth may experience some soreness. Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken if needed and will be sufficient to control the discomfort. If something is poking or irritating your gums, lips, or cheeks, orthodontic wax may be used as a barrier to relieve the discomfort. If you have a persistent issue or are in significant pain, you should call the office to have the problem evaluated and resolved.

How do I care for my braces or aligners?

The most important thing you can do to take care of your braces is to practice impeccable oral hygiene. We will give instructions on how to properly clean and care for the teeth and gums during treatment. We will also give instructions on how to maintain the brackets and wires in good working condition during treatment.

What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks or becomes loose?

If a bracket becomes loose, call the office to have it repaired. We will get you scheduled to repair the loose bracket

Can I still play sports or musical instruments with braces?

You can still play sports while in orthodontic treatment. We recommend you wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the teeth or braces.

Playing a musical instrument that requires a specific position of the mouth to play may require some practice to get used to the braces. With a little effort, you will be able to play the instrument just as you normally would without the braces.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If the issue is causing pain, swelling, or injury, it’s best to treat it as an orthodontic emergency and contact our office for guidance.

  • You can take simple steps to stay comfortable, but professional care ensures the problem is fully resolved.

  • Use temporary solutions like wax or rinses, and reach out to Sanders Orthodontics as soon as possible for next steps.