Orthodontist Emergency Care

Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances

During orthodontic treatment, it’s possible for appliances to become bent, broken, or loose. If you experience any issues such as a poking wire, loose bracket, or broken band, please call our office during patient hours to schedule an appointment. For the safety and comfort of all patients, we are unable to accommodate walk-in emergencies.

Temporary At-Home Solutions

• Irritating tie wires: Cover the wire with orthodontic wax or gently tuck it under the archwire using a pencil eraser or Q-tip.

• Loose brackets or bands: These can typically stay in place until you visit our office. Be sure to call as soon as you notice the issue so we can schedule a repair.

• Poking or broken archwires: Use a pencil eraser to gently bend the wire in or, if necessary, trim it with sterilized nail clippers. If the issue persists, call us during office hours for further assistance.

Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth

If you experience a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether or not you’re wearing braces, take the following steps:

• Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Contact your general dentist as soon as possible. A dental exam and x-rays are often needed to assess damage to the teeth or surrounding bone.

• If a tooth is knocked out, displaced, or fractured, your family dentist is the best point of contact for urgent care.

• Once your dentist has addressed any injuries, our office will coordinate to adjust or repair your orthodontic appliances as needed.

After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies

If you are experiencing significant pain or discomfort outside of office hours, please call our office. A voicemail or answering service will provide instructions on how to reach the on-call provider for further assistance.