When you have orthodontic treatment, there is a chance you will have some form of orthodontic emergency at some point. While some situations may require urgent care, others can be handled at home until you can make a convenient appointment to come and see us.
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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.
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 braces or aligners, as this shouldn’t be normal.
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.
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.
Some of the most common orthodontic emergencies and the steps to take are outlined below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Sometimes, orthodontic emergencies will occur, and you can do little to prevent them. However, following some simple guidelines can reduce the risk.
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.
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.
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.
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. We can soon get you feeling more comfortable and ensure your treatment is back on track.
