Straight and aligned teeth improve your appearance as well as improve your dental health. Dental aligners are popular for people who wish to have an even, straighter smile without the inconvenience of traditional braces. While aligners are safe and efficient, sudden emergencies requiring immediate attention can happen.
When a dental alignment emergency arises, you must promptly prevent treatment delays. Keep achieving the desired results by keeping track of your aligners, adhering to the recommended guidelines for your care, and calling your dentist immediately if you can.
This article will cover the most common dental aligner emergencies and why their treatment is necessary. If you are conscious of these issues and know how to respond, you can keep your progress and attain the smile you want.
Common Dental Aligner Emergencies
Below are common dental aligner emergencies and why it’s essential to act quickly to prevent any setbacks for your procedure.
Cracked Aligners
The most frequently-reported dental aligner emergency is a broken aligner. It can happen for various reasons, including the pressure of your bite and dropping your aligners or over-pressure. It is advised to take action immediately when you spot a crack or fracture in your aligners. Leaving the crack unchecked can make the aligner ineffective or cause your teeth to move in the wrong direction.
To stop this from happening:
- Avoid eating sticky or hard foods.
- Don’t put them where they can be damaged.
- In the event of a crack, contact your dentist or orthodontist immediately to determine if a replacement is necessary.
Irritation or Sores
While it’s not common to wear aligners for prolonged periods, which can cause irritation or sores in your mouth, it could be because the edges of the aligners rub against your cheeks, gums, or gums. While it may make you uncomfortable, it’s crucial to keep wearing aligners to progress and learn how to alleviate the discomfort.
In the beginning, try using an orthodontic wax that smooths out the edges of the irritated aligners. If that fails, talk to your dentist about the gel for numbing teeth to help ease the pain. No matter what you decide to do, don’t take off your aligners because this could cause you to set your pace back.
Lost Aligners
The event of losing your aligners, it’s a frequent emergency that can occur. It’s not difficult to lose the aligners, especially if you regularly take them out to eat or clean them. If you lose an aligner, you must inform your dentist promptly. You may need to purchase another set, wear the older aligners, or progress toward invisible aligners in Shelby.
Allergic Reactions
While it is not common, some people may be allergic to the components used in creating dental aligners. Hives, swelling, itching, and allergic reactions, are just a few possible signs. If you’re unsure whether you are allergic to the components in your aligners, it’s always best to consult an expert like an emergency dentist in Shelby. They can perform tests on a patch to determine what reactions you may experience before starting treatment.
Loose Aligners
Over time, your aligners may become loose or not align properly. This could happen if you have lost weight or your teeth move more than anticipated. It’s essential to address this issue immediately to avoid any repercussions to your treatment.
If your aligners have become loose, contact a family dentist near you or an orthodontist immediately. They might need to alter your treatment plan to ensure your progress isn’t hindered.