Tips To Find an Orthodontist When Working Out of Town

Is it possible to find an orthodontist in a pinch when out of state or away on business? Yes. For people who travel for business and need immediate orthodontic treatment due to an emergency, there is no reason to worry. There are several options for patients who need to find an orthodontist quickly when traveling.

Identify whether the situation is an emergency

While any orthodontic problem away from home can feel like an emergency, patients need to distinguish whether the current situation is a true emergency that warrants quick attention or simply an inconvenience.

An inconvenience can wait until the person returns home; an emergency calls for a patient to locate the nearest orthodontist as soon as possible. An urgent orthodontic situation usually involves one of the following situations:

1. A damaged, missing, or broken appliance

If a patient falls or is in another type of accident, an orthodontist may be able to save a broken bracket or appliance. Call the patient’s regular orthodontist to see if the issue needs immediate attention from an emergency orthodontist. Sometimes, the patient may be able to wait until they return home before seeking treatment.

However, there are times when emergency treatment will be necessary. For instance, if a patient with braces fell and broke several brackets that are now cutting into the mouth (no matter how much orthodontic wax they use), finding an emergency orthodontist may be in their best interest.

2. Swollen, bleeding, or infected gums

Tender gums after having braces tightened or moving onto a new set of clear aligners is not an emergency situation — but swollen gums that are bleeding heavily may indicate an infection. Get to the orthodontist as soon as possible if these symptoms pop up while working out of town. The sooner an infection is treated, the less painful it will be for the patient.

3. Traumatic injury to the mouth

Accidents happen, and sometimes they injure the mouth. Unfortunately, metal appliances and braces can cause further injury to the mouth. A common example is if a patient with braces gets into a car accident, the force of the impact may cause the braces to smash into the inner lips and cheeks, cutting these areas. While it is always best to see a doctor after sustaining a serious injury, visiting an emergency orthodontist may also help to remedy any appliance issues. This can help prevent them from reopening the wound or causing other problems.

How to find an orthodontist while working out of town

When stuck in an emergency orthodontic situation, patients may turn to family or friends in the area to locate the right provider. If the patient knows nobody in the area, asking managers or work supervisors at the local branch of the company that sponsored the work trip may do the trick.

If neither is an option for the patient, a quick internet search and a few phone calls could turn up an orthodontist who holds emergency hours, which often include late-night or weekend appointments reserved for patients who need immediate help. Patients should inquire about whether the orthodontist takes their insurance. If not, there may be an option to set up a payment plan if the damage or procedure is expensive.