Orthodontic Emergencies & Repairs

Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but minor issues can occasionally happen during treatment. The good news? Most situations are easy to manage at home until we can see you in the office.

Below are common concerns and what to do if they arise.

Common Orthodontic Issues & What to Do

Loose Bracket

If a bracket becomes loose or comes off a tooth:

Please text or call our office so we can schedule a repair.
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
Avoid trying to remove it yourself.

Poking or Irritating Wire

Sometimes a wire can shift and begin to poke the cheek or gums.

Try covering the area with orthodontic wax for comfort.
If the wire is very long and uncomfortable, you may carefully trim it with clean nail clippers.
Text or call our office if discomfort continues or if you’re unable to resolve it.

Lost Separator or Elastic

This is usually not urgent.

Please text or call our office to let us know.
In most cases, it can be replaced at your next appointment or sooner if needed.

General Soreness or Discomfort

Mild soreness is common after adjustments or when starting a new aligner.

Rinse with warm salt water to ease irritation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help.
This discomfort typically fades within a few days.

Lost or Broken Aligner

If you lose or damage an aligner:

Wear your previous aligner or the next aligner, depending on your instructions.
Contact our office so we can advise you and arrange a replacement if needed.

Injury or Trauma to the Mouth

If an accident causes injury to the teeth, lips, or jaw:

Check for broken or displaced teeth.
Contact your general dentist if teeth are damaged.
Notify our office so we can evaluate your orthodontic appliance.
For severe pain, bleeding, or facial injury, seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room.

When to Contact Us

If something is causing ongoing discomfort, pain, or concern, please contact our office so we can help. Many minor issues can wait until your next scheduled visit, but anything causing pain or interfering with daily activities should be addressed sooner.

After-Hours Emergencies

If you experience an urgent issue outside of normal office hours:

Call our main office number and follow the instructions to reach our on-call team.
If we are unable to respond immediately, we will return your message as soon as possible.

Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

You can help avoid common issues by:

Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods
Wearing a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
Following all care instructions provided by our team

Taking these simple precautions can help keep your treatment comfortable and on track.

Orthodontic Emergencies