Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies are usually rare, but occasionally the appliances become damaged and cause discomfort. Orthodontic emergencies are different than dental emergencies.  A dental emergency would involve a direct injury to the mouth or teeth whereby a tooth has been knocked out, severely displaced, or fractured.  With these types of injuries, it is best to contact your family dentist first so he/she can assess damage to the jaws and teeth.  Please call our office immediately after seeing your dentist so we can appoint a time to repair dislodged or displaced appliances. 

Orthodontic emergencies usually consist of loose, broken, or bent appliances.  Certain instances will require an office appointment while other things are not as critical and can occasionally be handled at home.  The important thing to remember about emergencies is that if you are ever in pain, discomfort or have a question, please call the office to discuss your problem.  If your call is after normal business hours, please leave a message.

We want your orthodontic experience to be comfortable and efficient.  When questions or problems arise, whether “emergency” related or not, please feel free to call our office to discuss matters.

Emergency Tips

Appliance or Retainer - If you lose or break a removable appliance or retainer, please call our office during normal business hours or leave a message.  If you have a positioner, wear the positioner until you receive your new appliance or retainer.

Spacers - Should you lose a spacer, please call our office immediately so we can determine if the spacer needs to be replaced or if it can wait until your next appointment.

Wire Poke - Use a pencil eraser to push the wire away from the irritated area.  If this does not work, cover the end of the wire with wax or sugarless gum until you can see us for an appointment.  Please our office for an emergency appointment if none of the above suggestions work so we can clip the wire.

Loose Bracket or Band - Call our office so that we may reschedule your appointment for a longer time, however in the mean time you may use a pair of tweezers to reposition or remove the bracket if it becomes a source of irritation.

Sore Teeth & Gums - Take Tylenol or ibuprofen and rinse your mouth with a warm glass of salt water.