Emergency

Starting orthodontic care can feel unfamiliar at first. It’s normal to notice some tenderness when your braces or aligners are first applied, and you may feel mild discomfort as your teeth begin to shift into their new positions. The good news is that true orthodontic emergencies are very uncommon.

If you believe you’re experiencing an issue, the first thing to do is assess how serious it is. Ask yourself whether it’s something that needs immediate professional care, or a minor concern you can manage at home until you’re able to visit our office.

Major Emergency

True orthodontic emergencies are rare but include:

Trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth
Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face
Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas

If you encounter any of these situations, it’s important to seek care right away—sometimes a visit to the emergency room is needed. Usually, your primary dentist is the first professional to contact, as they can evaluate the problem, provide pain relief, and manage urgent treatment. For instance, a broken tooth can be temporarily stabilized by your dentist, with adjustments to your orthodontic plan made afterward. Severe pain or swelling could signal an infection, which a dentist or periodontist is best prepared to treat.

Minor Emergency

Most orthodontic issues are minor and manageable at home, though they may cause discomfort. It’s best to relieve the problem temporarily and then call our office to schedule a visit. Common minor issues include:

Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands, or Wires

This can happen from hard or sticky foods or playing with your braces. If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and avoid connecting elastics. Cover any sharp areas with orthodontic wax. If a piece has come off, save it and bring it to your appointment. Call our office to schedule a repair.

Poking or Misplaced Wires, Brackets, or Ties

As teeth move, wires may poke or irritate cheeks. You can try gently repositioning the wire with a Q-tip or pencil eraser. For stubborn wires, tweezers or a sterilized nail clipper can help—but call us first for instructions. Cover sharp areas with wax to ease irritation.

General Tooth Pain or Loosening

Some looseness or tenderness is normal as teeth shift. For mild soreness, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, rinse twice daily with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water), or apply a warm washcloth/heating pad to the jaw for comfort.

While true emergencies are rare, our goal is to keep your treatment as comfortable as possible. Contact our office anytime for guidance or advice.