Orthodontic Emergency

Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances

Sometimes, appliances can break or bend during treatment. If you experience any issues such as loose brackets, broken wires, or poking ties, call our office during patient hours to schedule an appointment. We do not handle walk-in emergencies, but we’ll make every effort to get you in quickly.

In the meantime, here are some simple at-home solutions you can try:

Poking or Irritating Tie Wire

• Cover the wire with orthodontic wax (or beeswax if you have it).
• You can also use a blunt object, like a pencil eraser or Q-tip, to gently tuck the wire under the archwire and out of the way.

Loose Band or Bracket

• Leave the bracket or band in place if it’s not causing discomfort.
• Call our office during patient hours to schedule a visit to reattach the appliance if needed.
• Broken or Poking Archwire
• Use a pencil eraser to push the wire back toward the teeth to reduce irritation.
• If that doesn’t work, carefully use clean nail clippers to clip the wire close to the bracket.
• Call our office if the problem continues so we can make the proper adjustment.

Tip: Keep a small orthodontic care kit with wax, nail clippers, and a small mirror at home to handle minor issues between visits.

Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth

If you experience a direct injury to the mouth or teeth, whether or not you’re currently in orthodontic treatment, it’s important to act quickly:

1. Apply ice to the injured area right away to help control swelling and discomfort.
2. Contact our office immediately. Because we provide both general dentistry and orthodontic care, our team can assess the injury, take necessary X-rays, and determine the best course of treatment.
3. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, our doctors will evaluate and treat the injury. In some cases, referral to a specialist may be needed, but most emergencies can be managed right here.
4. If any orthodontic appliances have been loosened or displaced during the injury, we will repair or adjust them after addressing the dental issue to keep your treatment on track.

By contacting our office first, we can handle both the dental trauma and any orthodontic adjustments needed, streamlining your care and avoiding unnecessary delays.

After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies

If an orthodontic emergency arises after office hours and the patient is in pain, call our office and follow the voicemail instructions for after-hours contact. We will provide information about who to reach and how to manage the issue until the office reopens.

For severe trauma or uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency dental or medical care immediately.

Even minor issues can feel alarming when they happen suddenly. If you’re unsure whether your situation requires immediate attention, call our office, and our team will guide you through the next steps. We’re committed to keeping your treatment safe, comfortable, and on schedule.