Orthodontic Care After Accident-Related Injuries

Major orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, but when they do happen, it is essential to seek immediate attention. By comparison, a minor orthodontic issue can likely wait until a scheduled appointment for care. So, what is the difference between an orthodontic emergency and a minor problem? Read on.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Acute, Direct Injury to the Teeth, Mouth, or Jaw

Whether you are undergoing orthodontic care or not, if you injure your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you should see a dental professional or medical doctor immediately. You may need X-rays to assess the extent of your injury. If the injury affects any orthodontic appliances you have in your mouth, they will likely need adjustment or possibly even replacement.

Infected Teeth

When teeth become infected, treatment should be performed as soon as possible. If you are experiencing pain or swelling around a tooth that gets worse as time passes, seek professional care as soon as possible.

Minor Orthodontic Issues

Minor orthodontic issues are much more common than major ones but are still quite a nuisance. An accident that leads to one of these minor orthodontic issues can usually be remedied with an office visit.

• General soreness
• Loose bracket
• Loose elastic band
• Loose wire
• Poking wire
• Lost or broken elastic band
• Loose appliance
• Headgear does not fit

These issues are usually not emergencies unless they are accompanied by acute or prolonged discomfort or pain, as an orthodontist in Orange County, CA, like one from John Redmond Orthodontics, can explain. However, some dental and orthodontic procedures cost thousands of dollars and require additional money for upkeep and care. You might need to file a personal injury lawsuit if your orthodontic damages were caused by another who engaged in negligence or wrongful conduct.

Examining Your Dental Damage

Every accidental injury has different elements to it. Depending on what you were doing when the accident occurred, you may think that means you’re not entitled to compensation. But that’s not always true.

For instance, many times, people drink, eat, or chew on items while in a car. If the accident victim was chewing on ice or another substance at the time of the crash, they might still be entitled to recover compensation for fixing the dental or orthodontic damage.

Why You Should Seek Out Medical Help as Soon as Possible

Obviously, you shouldn’t wait too long to seek out medical or dental help after you’ve been injured in an accident. You may only realize later what and how bad your injuries are. You may even be dealing with a much larger issue caused by your accident, such as teeth that need to be realigned or space maintained until tooth replacement is accomplished.

Another reason to seek professional help right away—if you hope to receive the compensation you deserve, you’ll need proof. Without proof, insurance companies will probably not payout to cover your injury repairs. An attorney for the opposing side may point out that you seemed fine and didn’t seek out medical or dental attention right away. To best support, your personal injury case, seek professional care for your injuries without delay after an accident, even if it was only a minor one. 

Document everything carefully and make sure your orthodontist does the same. Don’t hesitate to contact an orthodontist’s office in your local area for more detailed information about handling a dental injury.