Emergency Care
What to do when something unexpected happens with your braces or appliances
Is this a dental emergency?
For severe pain, swelling, trauma, or breathing difficulty — call us or seek emergency care immediately.
Most Issues Are Not True Emergencies
Broken brackets, poking wires, and loose bands are common during orthodontic treatment and rarely require same-day care. The steps below will help you stay comfortable until we can see you.
When in doubt, call us. We will help you assess whether something needs to be seen right away or can wait until your next scheduled visit.
Common Orthodontic Situations
Find your situation and follow the steps
Poking or Sharp Wire
Soon
What to do
1
Use a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth.
2
Place a small ball of orthodontic wax over the sharp end to protect your cheek or gum.
3
If the wire has slipped out of a bracket, try using clean tweezers to guide it back.
4
Call our office — we can trim the wire at your next visit or sooner if needed.
Do not cut the wire yourself with nail clippers. If a piece is swallowed, contact your doctor.
Loose or Broken Bracket
Soon
What to do
1
If the bracket is still attached to the wire but spinning, leave it in place if it is not causing irritation.
2
If it is poking or causing discomfort, place orthodontic wax over it for cushioning.
3
If the bracket comes off completely, save it and bring it to your next appointment.
4
Contact our office to let us know — we will determine if it needs repair before your next scheduled visit.
Do not try to re-attach the bracket yourself or remove it from the wire.
Lost or Broken Aligner
Within 24–48 hours
What to do
1
If you are less than halfway through your current aligner stage, go back to wearing your previous tray.
2
If you are more than halfway through, move forward to the next tray — but wear it 20+ hours daily.
3
Contact our office as soon as possible so we can order a replacement tray.
4
Do not skip wearing aligners entirely — teeth can shift within days.
Do not wear a cracked aligner with sharp edges. Remove it and call us.
Loose Band or Separator
Soon
What to do
1
If a separator (spacer) falls out, it may mean enough space has been created — call us to check.
2
If a molar band (metal ring) becomes loose, avoid eating hard or sticky foods.
3
Save the band if it comes off completely and bring it to your appointment.
4
Call our office to schedule a repair visit.
Do not try to re-cement a band at home.
Mouth Sores or Irritation
Self-treat first
What to do
1
Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water) several times a day.
2
Apply orthodontic wax to any bracket or wire that is rubbing.
3
Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic gel (like Orabase) for temporary relief.
4
Most sores heal on their own within 1–2 weeks as your mouth toughens up.
Irritation is normal, especially in the first few weeks. If sores are severe or not healing, call us.
Swallowed a Bracket or Piece of Wire
Assess immediately
What to do
1
Stay calm — small orthodontic parts typically pass through the digestive system without issue.
2
If you are coughing, choking, or having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
3
If you feel no distress, monitor for symptoms and call your primary care physician.
4
Contact our office to let us know so we can replace the part.
If there is any breathing difficulty or chest pain, this is a medical emergency — call 911.
Severe Pain or Swelling
Call us today
What to do
1
Take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed on the label.
2
Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
3
Avoid hot foods and beverages.
4
Call our office immediately — severe or unusual pain may indicate something beyond normal treatment soreness.
Normal post-adjustment soreness lasts 2–4 days. Severe or worsening pain is not normal — contact us.
Retainer No Longer Fits
Call us soon
What to do
1
A retainer that no longer fits means teeth have shifted — do not force it.
2
Wear it as much as you can without forcing it, to slow further shifting.
3
Contact our office as soon as possible — the sooner we address this, the simpler the fix.
4
We will assess whether a new retainer or a short correction course is needed.
Do not force a retainer that does not fit — you could damage your teeth or the retainer.
Orthodontic Wax Is Your Best Friend
Orthodontic wax provides fast, temporary relief from bracket and wire irritation. We provide wax in your care kit — here is how to use it effectively.
Keep wax in your bag, backpack, or car for on-the-go relief.
Dry the bracket or wire with a tissue before applying wax — it sticks better to dry surfaces.
Roll a small piece into a ball, then flatten it over the irritating area.
Replace wax after eating. Wax is safe to swallow accidentally in small amounts.
After Hours?
If you experience a true dental emergency after office hours — severe pain, trauma to the mouth, or injury to teeth — please contact an emergency dental clinic or go to your nearest urgent care or emergency room.
Have a Question About Your Appliance?
Call us anytime — we are happy to help you figure out whether something needs attention