Orthodontic Emergencies

What Are Orthodontic Emergencies?

Orthodontic emergencies are problems with braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances that require immediate attention. While most orthodontic issues can wait until your next appointment, some situations require prompt care to prevent damage or discomfort.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Several issues can constitute an orthodontic emergency:

Broken or Loose Brackets

Brackets that have come loose or broken off can cause discomfort and may affect treatment progress. This can happen from eating hard foods, trauma, or normal wear.

Poking or Broken Wires

Wires that have broken or are poking into your cheeks, gums, or tongue can cause significant pain and irritation. This is one of the most common orthodontic emergencies.

Loose Bands

Bands around molars that have become loose or fallen off can affect the stability of your braces and treatment progress.

Severe Pain or Discomfort

While some discomfort is normal after adjustments, severe or persistent pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers may indicate a problem.

Trauma to the Mouth

Injuries to the mouth that damage braces or cause severe pain require immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Immediate Steps for Orthodontic Emergencies

Here's how to handle common orthodontic emergencies:

For Poking Wires

Use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place, or cover the end with orthodontic wax. If the wire is too long, you can carefully trim it with nail clippers that have been sterilized with alcohol.

For Loose Brackets

If a bracket is loose but still attached, leave it in place and cover it with wax to prevent irritation. If it has fallen off completely, save it and bring it to your next appointment.

For Broken Wires

If a wire has broken, try to remove the broken piece if possible. If you can't remove it safely, cover any sharp ends with wax and contact your orthodontist.

For Loose Bands

If a band has come loose, save it and bring it to your next appointment. Don't try to reattach it yourself, as this could damage your tooth.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact your orthodontist immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with pain relievers
• Bleeding from the mouth or gums
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Trauma to the face or mouth
• Signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever)
• Multiple broken or loose brackets
• Wires that are causing severe irritation and can't be fixed at home

Prevention of Orthodontic Emergencies

To reduce your risk of orthodontic emergencies:

• Follow your orthodontist's dietary restrictions
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods
• Wear a mouthguard during sports activities
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Attend all scheduled appointments
• Don't use your teeth as tools
• Report any problems early before they become emergencies

Essential Orthodontic Supplies

Keep these items on hand for orthodontic emergencies:

• Orthodontic wax for covering sharp edges
• Sterilized nail clippers for trimming wires
• Pencil eraser for pushing wires back into place
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Salt for making saltwater rinses
• Your orthodontist's emergency contact information

What to Expect at Emergency Appointments

During an emergency orthodontic appointment:

Assessment

Your orthodontist will examine your braces and identify the problem.

Immediate Treatment

They will fix the immediate problem, such as reattaching brackets or trimming wires.

Follow-up Instructions

You'll receive instructions for care and when to return for your next regular appointment.

Non-Emergency Issues

These issues can typically wait until your next appointment:

• Mild discomfort after adjustments
• Minor wire adjustments that don't cause pain
• Questions about treatment progress
• Routine maintenance concerns
• Appliance cleaning questions

After-Hours Care

If you experience an orthodontic emergency outside of office hours:

• Try the home remedies mentioned above
• Contact your orthodontist's emergency line if available
• For severe emergencies, visit an emergency room
• Document the problem and bring photos to your next appointment