How to Handle Orthodontic Emergencies

Understanding when an issue is an emergency versus a minor problem and knowing the best way to move forward

• What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
• Common Emergencies You Can Handle at Home
  
  

What is an Orthodontic Emergency?

It is always without failure, right before bed, on a weekend trip, a holiday party, or the top of the ski hill, and all of a sudden something starts poking you or breaks from your braces!

Good news- most orthodontic emergencies are not true dental emergencies! Most of the common issues people experience with braces are things you can mitigate while at your own home.



A true orthodontic emergency is one where there is severe trauma, discomfort, signs of infection, or swelling that need immediate attention. Often times we may see this from a sports accident, which actually requires a trip to urgent care.

Understanding what may feel like an urgent situation but is not, and what is an actual emergency can help guide you on how to proceed. 

True Emergency

Seek emergency care immediately



• Severe pain that over the counter medicines do not relieve.
• Permanent tooth is broken, has fallen out, or moved significantly from a fall.
• Significant swelling in the mouth, jaw, or face.
• Swallowed a long piece or wire.
• Bleeding that will not stop with pressure.
• Wire has cut through your gums or cheek and is bleeding.
  

Orthodontic Emergency

Give us a call or leave a voicemail after hours, we will try to see you before your appointment

• Severe pain that over the counter medicines do not relieve.
• Permanent tooth is broken, has fallen out, or moved significantly from a fall.
• Significant swelling in the mouth, jaw, or face.
• Swallowed a long piece or wire.
• Bleeding that will not stop with pressure.
• Wire has cut through your gums or cheek and is bleeding.
  

Minor Emergency

Can generally wait till your next appointment

• Color tie has come off.
• General soreness after an adjustment.
• Bracket is loose but is still attached to the wire.
• Wire is poking but not causing deep cut.
• Mouth sores that come and go in less than 2 weeks.
  

Common Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them at Home

There are some things you can do at home to handle a minor emergency to give yourself comfort and avoid immediate fix.

Poking Wire

This is one of the most common problems people experience with braces. But good news it is easily managed at home!

• Use a pencil eraser to push the wire gently against the tooth.
• Place a small ball of orthodontic wax over the sharp end to create a soft barrier.
• If the wire is long enough, strong nail clippers or cuticle cutters can trim the wire while at home. Please do so ONLY IF you can do so safely without swallowing the excess wire.
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe any irritation.
• Call our office to see if a repair is needed.
  

Loose or Broken Bracket

• Brackets can come off easily with eating food that is sticky, hard, or a bump in the mouth during sports.
• If still attached to the wire, leave the bracket where it is.
• Cover the bracket with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could make the issue worse.
• Call our office to possibly schedule a repair.
• If the bracket has come off completely, save it in a small bag and bring it with you to your next visit!
• Make sure to always wear a mouthguard during high contact sports!
  

Lost Spacer or Separator

Spacers/Separators (rubber bands between teeth to create room) can fall out if they have done their job correctly! Sometimes you do not need to come back to our office to have it replaced.

• Call our office to see if we need to replace it!
  

Mouth Sores

Braces can be a huge adjustment for your mouth, especially if they were just placed or after an adjustment at our office. The inside of your mouth is susceptible to getting sores with braces, but good news, your mouth is tough and will heal quickly!

• Apply orthodontic wax to any bracket or wire that is causing irritation.
• Rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times a day.
• Use lip balm often if chapped lips occur.
• Eat soft foods, like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or smoothies to help with soreness.
  

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