Emergency Orthodontics

We Offer Orthodontic Care Around the Clock

Orthodontic accidents happen and when they do, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure your health and stay on track with your treatment. We provide emergency orthodontic care at both of our offices in Fresno and Clovis, CA.

Dr. Greg Nalchajian and Dr. Nicole Nalchajian can address the situation in-person or a member of our team can help you resolve the issue over the phone. The Nalchajian Orthodontics team is here to help! If you have an orthodontic emergency, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.

Types of Orthodontic Emergencies

If you’re unsure whether or not your issue requires immediate attention, simply call our office. Our staff will walk you through the steps to take and we will schedule an appointment for you to come in, if necessary. Many orthodontic issues, although uncomfortable or inconvenient, are not life-threatening and can be managed at home until we see you in the office.

The most common issues that patients encounter are loose and poking wires, which can irritate the mouth and cause pain and discomfort if not resolved right away. If you have a loose or poking wire, call us to schedule an appointment. Loose wires typically do not require immediate attention, but it’s important that we see you soon to fix it and keep you on track with your treatment plan.

An injury to the face could damage your oral appliance, causing it to crack or break into pieces. Call us immediately and we will schedule a time for you to come to the office, where we will repair your appliance or provide you with a new one. We may take 3D scans if you have experienced facial trauma to assess damaged teeth or facial structures. Remember to wear a mouth guard during any type of activity where facial injury is possible, including team sports and individual activities.

It is important not to let any problem go unresolved for any length of time. Whether a bracket has come loose or a part of your oral appliance has broken off, call your orthodontist as soon as possible.

What to Do During an Orthodontic Issue

Until you are able to come to our office, there are some measures you can take at home to resolve orthodontic issues.

Poking Wire or Bracket - Place wax over the problem area to alleviate the discomfort until you can see us.
Loose Wire - Use a pair of clean tweezers or needle nose pliers to guide the wire into their bracket.
Loose Bracket - If a bracket comes loose but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and put wax on it. If the bracket comes out completely, put it in a tissue or small bag so you do not lose it.
Broken Appliance - Please hold on to any part of your appliance that may have fallen off or broken completely, and bring it with you to your next appointment.
Soreness - Some discomfort is normal during orthodontic treatment, especially recently after having an appliance inserted or adjusted. Rinse your mouth with salt water or take over-the-counter pain medication to help.

While some orthodontic emergencies are unavoidable, prevention methods and common sense is often the best way to avoid problems. Avoid sticky, chewy, crunchy, or hard foods, and wear a mouth guard during physical activity to protect your mouth from injury. Be sure to maintain regular brushing and flossing and pay attention to your orthodontic treatment so that you can identify any issues in advance.