24/7 Orthodontic Emergency Care | Sterling Heights, Clawson & Mt. Clemens
Dr. Delgado is available to patients 24/7 for emergency services
24/7 Emergency Availability
As your orthodontist, Dr. Delgado is available to patients 24/7 for emergency services. Emergency services is defined as pain, as we don't want any of our patients to experience discomfort throughout their orthodontic treatment.
Text Message Instructions
If you are in need of Emergency Care, please send a detailed text message to the emergency line including:
- Who - Patient name
- When - When did the problem start?
- What - What is the issue?
- Where - Location of the problem
- How - How did it happen?
- Photos - Include clear photos if possible
Is It Really an Emergency?
True Emergencies
- •Severe pain or swelling
- •Facial trauma or injury
- •Signs of infection
- •Knocked out or loose permanent tooth
- •Uncontrollable bleeding
→ Call us immediately or go to ER
Can Wait
- •Loose bracket or band
- •Broken wire (if not painful)
- •Lost or broken aligner
- •Minor mouth irritation
- •Soreness after adjustment
→ Call during business hours
Common Orthodontic Issues & Solutions
Broken Bracket or Wire
A bracket has come loose or a wire has broken
What to Do:
- 1Don't panic - this is common and usually not urgent
- 2If a wire is poking, use orthodontic wax to cover it
- 3Call us during business hours to schedule a repair
- 4Continue wearing rubber bands if prescribed
Lost or Broken Aligner
Your Invisalign aligner is lost, cracked, or broken
What to Do:
- 1Move to your previous set of aligners if available
- 2Call us to discuss whether to move to the next set
- 3Don't leave teeth without aligners for extended periods
- 4We can order replacements if needed
Poking Wire
A wire is irritating your cheek, tongue, or gums
What to Do:
- 1Try using a pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat
- 2Cover the end with orthodontic wax
- 3If very uncomfortable, carefully clip the wire with clean nail clippers
- 4Call us to schedule an appointment for adjustment
Mouth Sores or Irritation
Braces are causing sores or discomfort in your mouth
What to Do:
- 1Rinse with warm salt water several times daily
- 2Apply orthodontic wax to any rough areas
- 3Use over-the-counter oral pain relief gel
- 4If sores persist beyond a week, call us
Severe Pain or Swelling
Significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection
What to Do:
- 1Call us immediately during business hours
- 2After hours, go to urgent care or ER if severe
- 3Take over-the-counter pain reliever as directed
- 4Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
Injury to Face or Teeth
Trauma to the mouth, face, or orthodontic appliances
What to Do:
- 1If bleeding won't stop or severe injury, go to ER
- 2Check for loose or damaged teeth
- 3Take photos of any damage to appliances
- 4Call us as soon as possible for assessment
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
Avoid Hard Foods
Stay away from hard candies, ice, nuts, and popcorn that can break brackets.
Cut Foods Small
Cut corn off the cob, slice apples, and break food into bite-sized pieces.
Wear a Mouthguard
Essential for sports! We can provide a special orthodontic mouthguard.
Good Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss regularly to prevent decay and gum problems.
Keep Appointments
Regular adjustments help prevent issues and keep treatment on track.
Carry Orthodontic Wax
Always have wax on hand to address minor irritations immediately.
Orthodontic Emergency Kit
Keep these items handy at home and while traveling
Orthodontic Wax
For poking wires
Pain Reliever
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Salt
For warm salt water rinses
Our Phone Number
248-528-3300
Small Mirror
To see the problem area
Tweezers
For adjusting wires
Nail Clippers
To clip poking wire (sanitize first!)
Oral Anesthetic Gel
For sore spots
Still Have Questions?
Don't hesitate to call us if you're unsure whether something needs immediate attention
Call 248-528-3300