Emergency Orthodontist — Atlanta, GA

What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency

As unfamiliar as it may be, you don’t need to worry about your orthodontic emergency. We’ll gladly walk you through what to do for this kind of problem. In particular, please remember to do the following:

• Make a Phone Call – Many orthodontic emergencies aren’t as dire as they appear, so your first move should be to call our office. A member of our team can outline how to handle your situation, suggesting tips that meet your needs. They may advise that you use (or apply) dental wax, saltwater rinses, pain relievers, etc.
• Schedule a Visit – Should your problem require more help, we’ll schedule an appointment for you during the phone call. This visit might even occur on the same day you contacted us if the issue is severe. As for the session’s exact timing, it’ll depend on your emergency’s intensity.
• Get Needed Care – In general, our practice quickly, easily, and affordably solves orthodontic emergencies. However, you may need a follow-up visit if new parts must be ordered. If the emergency stems from a prior health issue or tooth damage, we may refer you to your local dentist. In contrast, go to your local ER directly if your jaw has been broken or dislocated.

The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Since orthodontic emergencies are quite real (if rare), you should always see us when they occur. Our team has the resources, experience, and knowledge to address such issues quickly. Just know that you can also take steps to handle these problems before your final visit. To do so, simply click on one (or more) of the icons below and use the related instructions:

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Orthodontic Care

Our team in Atlanta will provide instructions to help you maintain your smile and orthodontics throughout your treatment, but there’s no guarantee you won't have an emergency.

It’s natural to wonder how much your emergency visit might cost, and we’re happy to provide a detailed estimate after we’ve had a chance to examine your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Continue reading to learn how pricing is determined and how our office helps make emergency services more affordable!

Every Orthodontic Emergency is Unique

There are many reasons you might require a same-day visit to our office in Atlanta, and we unfortunately cannot provide a quote for your emergency appointment until we can determine the extent of the harm done and what’s needed to repair it.

For instance, a dislodged bracket can often be re-cemented to your enamel relatively easily. However, other, more serious concerns might require more complex or costly repairs. Our team will share a detailed estimate for your approval before proceeding.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Emergencies?

Some dental insurance plans do include coverage for orthodontic emergencies. However, policies vary, and there are no guarantees, so you may want to review your details to confirm what’s included.

If you need assistance finding the information or submitting claims or other forms, please let our friendly office staff know. We’re familiar with various insurance providers and are happy to help you maximize your available benefits.

Other Options for Making Orthodontic Emergency Visits Affordable

Our office proudly accepts many major insurance plans to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine follow-up visits to orthodontic emergencies, but we understand that not all patients have coverage.

If you’re concerned about paying for the treatments required to address your urgent issue, you might benefit from one of the following options:

• In-House Membership Plan. We offer our own membership plan with interest-free, flexible payment schedules to help you afford orthodontic services, which may be applied to emergency exams, imaging, or other urgent care needs.
• Flexible Financing. We also gladly accept payment plans through CareCredit. If your application is approved, you can divide the total cost of your visit into more manageable installments paid over a designated period.

The Value of Preventive Orthodontic Care

Although some orthodontic emergencies occur due to unavoidable accidents that are outside of your control, many common issues result from problems that can be prevented. That means taking the proper precautions can help preserve your oral health, avoid complications, and keep you on track with your treatment timeline, to help protect your investment.

As soon as you become aware of an orthodontic issue, please contact our office. The longer you wait to be seen, the more likely you are to develop additional damage, injuries, decay, or disease that may require costly procedures to address!

Keys to Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

No one wants to deal with an orthodontic emergency, and these tips will help keep you and your appliance safe:

• Always wear an orthodontic mouthguard when playing sports
• Avoid particularly hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles
• Keep up with your orthodontic progress checks
• Contact us right away if your braces feel loose or weird…acting fast will keep a small problem from becoming bigger!