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Emergency Care

Orthodontic emergencies can happen from time to time, whether it’s a loose bracket, a poking wire, or an injury to the mouth. While most issues are not serious, it’s important to know what steps to take and when to contact our office. Our team is here to help keep your treatment on track and ensure your comfort throughout the process.

What Qualifies as an Orthodontic Emergency?

Most orthodontic emergencies fall into one of two categories:

  • Problems involving braces, aligners, or orthodontic appliances
  • Injuries affecting the teeth, gums, lips, or jaw

Understanding the difference can help you determine the best next step and whether immediate attention is needed.

Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances

Occasionally, braces or orthodontic appliances may become damaged during treatment. Common issues include:

  • Loose brackets or bands
  • Broken or bent wires
  • Poking archwires
  • Irritating tie wires

If you experience any of these problems, please contact our office during regular business hours so we can schedule an appointment. To ensure we can properly assist all patients, emergency repairs are handled by appointment rather than walk-in visits.

How Can I Relieve Discomfort Until My Appointment?

Many minor appliance issues can be temporarily managed at home:

  • Cover irritating wires with orthodontic wax.
  • Use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently tuck a poking wire into a more comfortable position.
  • Leave a loose bracket or band in place if possible until it can be evaluated.
  • If a wire is protruding and causing discomfort, it may be carefully adjusted or clipped if instructed by our team.

These temporary measures can help keep you comfortable until we can see you.

Direct Injuries to the Teeth and Mouth

Accidents involving sports, falls, or other impacts can cause injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, or jaw. If this occurs:

  1. Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling.
  2. Contact your family dentist as soon as possible.
  3. Seek immediate evaluation if a tooth has been chipped, displaced, loosened, or knocked out.

Your general dentist is usually best equipped to treat dental trauma because they have access to the necessary materials, equipment, and anesthesia.

What If My Braces Are Damaged During an Injury?

After your dentist has addressed the injury, contact our office so we can evaluate any damaged orthodontic appliances. Brackets, wires, or other appliances may need to be repaired or adjusted to ensure your treatment continues properly and comfortably.

When Should I Call the Orthodontist?

You should contact our office if you experience:

  • Significant discomfort from a broken appliance
  • A loose bracket or band
  • A wire that is causing irritation
  • Damage to your braces after an accident
  • Any orthodontic issue that prevents normal eating or speaking

When in doubt, give us a call. Our team can help determine whether you need to be seen right away or if the issue can safely wait until your next appointment.

What If I Have an Emergency After Office Hours?

If an orthodontic emergency occurs outside of regular office hours and you are experiencing pain or significant discomfort, please contact our office. Instructions for obtaining after-hours assistance are available through our emergency contact system.

Our goal is to help you stay comfortable, protect your smile, and keep your orthodontic treatment progressing smoothly every step of the way.