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Emergency Care Prestwich Orthodontics in Minot, ND
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Orthodontic Emergency Care

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can happen. Whether it’s a broken appliance or a direct injury to the mouth, knowing how to handle these situations can help minimize discomfort and prevent further complications.

Orthodontic Appliance Emergencies

During treatment, braces or other orthodontic appliances may become loose, bent, or broken. If this happens, contact our office during regular patient hours to schedule an appointment. To ensure the best care, we are unable to accommodate walk-in emergency visits.

Temporary Solutions for Common Orthodontic Issues

While waiting for your appointment, here are some quick fixes to help ease discomfort:

  • Irritating Tie Wire: Cover the wire with orthodontic wax or gently push it under the archwire using a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
  • Loose Bracket or Band: If a bracket or band is loose but still attached to the wire, leave it in place and call our office. Avoid trying to fix it yourself.
  • Poking or Broken Archwire: Carefully bend the wire inward with a pencil eraser or trim the excess with clean nail clippers. If discomfort continues, contact us for an adjustment.

If you’re unsure how to manage an issue, don’t hesitate to call our office for guidance.

Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth

If you experience a direct injury to the mouth, teeth, or jaw, follow these steps:

  1. Apply ice to reduce swelling.
  2. Contact your general dentist immediately for an evaluation, as an x-ray may be needed to assess the damage.
  3. If a tooth is knocked out, displaced, or fractured, your dentist should be your first point of contact, as they have the necessary materials and anesthesia for treatment.
  4. If your orthodontic appliances are damaged or displaced, schedule an appointment with our office after seeing your dentist. We will replace or adjust your appliances as needed.

After-Hours Emergency Care

If an orthodontic emergency occurs after office hours and you are experiencing significant discomfort, please call our office for instructions on who to contact for further assistance.

Your comfort and well-being are our priority, and we’re here to help you through any unexpected orthodontic concerns.

Wondrous Facts

Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, was the world’s oldest dog at 29.5 years old.

Animals can be allergic to human dander, aka our dead skin cells.

It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. (Try it!)

Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different.

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

“Stewardesses” is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand.

Snails have more teeth than humans, with over 25,000 tiny teeth.

Giraffes only have bottom teeth, which they use to comb leaves off branches.

Ancient Egyptians used a mixture of ground charcoal, salt, and pepper as toothpaste.

The first toothbrush was invented in China in the 15th century and was made from bamboo twigs.

In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall, and escaped!

In the 1800s, blacksmiths and barbers also served as dentists.

Sports-related injuries account for approximately 5 million missing teeth per year.

The most valuable tooth belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. In 1816, one of his teeth was sold in London for $3,633.00, or in today’s terms, $35,700.00. The tooth was set in a ring.

Dolphins use their teeth to grab only, not to chew, as dolphins’ jaws have no muscles.

In 200 A.D., the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells, and honey to clean their teeth.

Orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists: only about 5% of dentists become orthodontists. This specialization requires additional training after dental school.

There are about 1.8 million heads of cattle in North Dakota, more than twice the number of people.

The famous breakfast staple cream of wheat was first made in Grand Norks, North Dakota, by Wheat Millers in 1893.

North Dakota is the no. 1 producer of honey in the nation. Check out the North Dakota bee map.

The world’s largest hamburger was eaten in Rutland, North Dakota. It weighed 3,591 pounds and more than 8,000 people were invited to the meal.

The eastern portion of North Dakota is a flat valley. With its mineral-rich soil, it is among the world’s most fertile areas.  That’s why it is filled with productive farms that feed the U.S.  It is interesting to note that the valley was once the floor of an ancient lake. 

North Dakota is home to more wildlife refuges (63) than any other state. Wildlife viewing and birding opportunities are abundant.