Recognizing when a problem is a true emergency and knowing what to do can help alleviate the worry and stress of the situation. It’s important not to ignore orthodontic emergencies because they could lengthen treatment or mean the outcome is less effective than predicted.
This page aims to help you identify, understand, and manage common orthodontic emergencies.
What Are Orthodontic Emergencies?
If an issue causes severe pain or discomfort, or you are worried about a mouth infection, it can be an orthodontic emergency requiring urgent care. We suggest contacting us immediately for help and advice over the phone so we can schedule an appointment with our emergency orthodontist.
Some mild discomfort or pain is to be expected during orthodontic treatment. However, please do not think that you should put up with severe pain while wearing dental braces or aligners, as this shouldn’t be normal.
When Is an Orthodontic Emergency Less Urgent?
Some situations require prompt care as they can affect your treatment progress. However, they may be less urgent. These include problems like broken elastics, a broken retainer, or food impacted around your braces.
Patient Experience
Putting Together a Kit to Handle Orthodontic Emergencies at Home
Having a few supplies at home is useful so you can deal with minor dental emergencies immediately until you can see our orthodontist. These can include the following, and you most likely have them already.
- Interproximal brushes and dental floss.
- Q-tips.
- Toothpicks.
- Orthodontic wax.
- Sterile tweezers.
- Small clippers.
- Topical anesthetic gel like Ora-Gel.
Some of the most common orthodontic emergencies and the steps to take are outlined below.
Loose Brackets, Wires, or Bands
If a bracket, wire, or band has become loose, contact us immediately so we can schedule an appointment to get your brace mended. Brackets can become damaged if you eat something hard or crunchy, or if the bonding agent has failed.
Sometimes, a loose bracket can rotate on the wire and stick out. A quick fix is to use a sterile pair of tweezers to slide the bracket back along the wire and rotate it until it is in the proper position.
Protrusive Wire
Sometimes, the end of a wire will become displaced and irritate your mouth. You will need to come and see us quickly so we can reposition the wire properly.
In the meantime, gently use the end of a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip to push the wire so it is flat against your tooth. Alternatively, cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax.
If the wire is bothering you and you cannot move out of place, it may be best to clip it, but you must ensure you do not swallow it. One technique is to wrap a piece of gauze or tissue around the area to help isolate the wire so it can be removed more easily. You may still need to cover the clipped end with orthodontic wax.
Missing Rubber Bands
If a rubber band has come out of place, you may be able to put it back in place using your sterile tweezers.
If the rubber band or elastic ligature is missing, our orthodontist must replace it urgently, as it can affect your treatment.
Food Stuck Between Your Teeth
Having food stuck between your braces and teeth can be extremely uncomfortable. Usually, it is easy to fix with a piece of dental floss. One trick to try is to tie a small knot in the middle of the dental floss to help remove the impacted food. Using an interproximal brush or toothpick can also work well.
If you cannot remove the food, contact us so our orthodontist can help you.
Irritated Lips and Cheeks
When braces are newly fitted, they can irritate your mouth, especially while eating. Covering the offending parts of your brace with orthodontic wax can provide a buffer. You only need to use a small amount, typically the size of a pea, that you can then flatten and place over the area. Orthodontic wax is non-toxic, so it isn’t a problem if you accidentally swallow it.
If the discomfort continues, schedule an appointment to come and see us so we can adjust your braces to fit more comfortably.
Swallowing a Piece of Your Brace
Swallowing a piece of your brace is unlikely, but it can occasionally happen. Contact us immediately if you suspect you have swallowed a piece of your brace. If you are not coughing or having difficulty breathing, the piece will pass through you naturally.
You may need emergency care if you have difficulty breathing or coughing excessively, in case you have aspirated the piece of brace.
Broken Retainer
Although not an immediate orthodontic emergency, it’s important to contact us urgently if your retainer breaks. Without it, there is a real risk that your teeth will begin returning to their original positions, ruining all your hard work. We can ensure your retainer is mended or replaced promptly.
Lost or Damaged Aligners
Losing or damaging clear aligners like Invisalign can be annoying, but it isn’t a true orthodontic emergency. However, it’s important to quickly get your treatment back on track by replacing the missing aligners.
Contact us so we can order a replacement set urgently.
Finding Emergency Orthodontics Near Me
Dealing with a broken bracket, loose wire, or painful braces? Orthodontic emergencies can happen anytime — and knowing where to go nearby can save you a lot of stress.
Here’s how to quickly find an emergency orthodontist near you:
- Try Googling terms like “emergency orthodontics near me” or “orthodontic emergencies near me.” You’ll usually see local clinics that offer same-day visits or urgent care.
- Check platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, or Google Maps. They make it easy to compare nearby providers, see real patient reviews, and even book a visit if they offer online scheduling.
- If you already have an orthodontist, give them a call — even after hours. Many offices have emergency lines or recorded messages with instructions on what to do next.
- Look for offices that mention weekend or 24/7 availability. Some orthodontists near you can squeeze in urgent appointments for things like popped wires or damaged appliances.
- Not already a patient? That’s okay. Ask if the office treats walk-ins or new patients dealing with urgent issues. A lot of practices will still help out.
- And lastly, don’t forget to check reviews. They’ll tell you what other people experienced during an emergency — whether they were seen quickly and how they were treated.
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
Sometimes, orthodontic emergencies will occur, and you can do little to prevent them. However, following some simple guidelines can reduce the risk.
- Follow Our Maintenance and Oral Care Guidelines Closely
Keep your braces clean and free from plaque and food buildup by closely following our oral care instructions. When your braces are fitted, we will show you how to clean them thoroughly.
- Wear a Sports Mouthguard
If you play sports, get a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your braces. If you have aligners, you can remove them while playing sports but replace them immediately afterward.
- Follow Our Dietary Guidelines for Fixed Braces
If you have fixed braces, you must avoid certain foods during treatment. Following our guidelines will help reduce the risk of breakages or food becoming impacted around your brace brackets.
Here to Help You
We know any form of dental emergency, including orthodontic emergencies, can be a cause for concern. Please get in touch with us if you have a problem with your braces or aligners.
Our friendly dental team can provide immediate advice over the phone and schedule an appointment with our emergency orthodontist at Brooklyn Invisalign Center. We can soon get you feeling more comfortable and ensure your Invisalign treatment is back on track.