What to Do During an Orthodontic Emergency

Orthodontic emergencies can sometimes happen during treatment, especially when appliances are involved. While many issues can wait for a scheduled visit, others may need prompt attention. Here’s how to handle the most common types of orthodontic emergencies to keep your treatment on track and protect your smile.

Common Orthodontic Appliance Issues

Braces and other appliances are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Occasionally, they may become loose, broken, or uncomfortable. If something doesn’t feel right, please call our office during patient hours to schedule an appointment. For everyone’s safety and convenience, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins for emergency care.

In the meantime, here are some quick fixes you can try at home:

• Irritating tie wires: If a wire is poking your cheek or gum, try covering it with orthodontic wax. You can also gently tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.

• Loose brackets or bands: These can usually stay in place temporarily. Just avoid playing with them, and contact our office so we can schedule a time to reattach or repair the appliance.

• Broken or poking archwires: Use clean nail clippers to snip a long wire or a pencil eraser to push it into a more comfortable position. If this doesn’t help, contact us during patient hours for further instructions.

Tip: Keeping a small orthodontic kit at home with wax, tweezers, and nail clippers can be helpful in managing minor appliance issues.

Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth

If your child suffers a direct injury to the mouth or teeth, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not, it’s important to act quickly.

• Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling.

• Contact us immediately, especially if a tooth is chipped, fractured, displaced, or knocked out.

• We will likely take X-rays to assess the damage.

• If orthodontic appliances were affected, we’ll make the necessary adjustments or replacements after the dental injury has been treated.

After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies

If you experience an orthodontic emergency after business hours and are in pain, don’t worry, help is available.

Call our office and follow the voicemail prompts to reach our emergency contact line. We’ll make sure you get the care and support you need as soon as possible.