Handling Emergencies

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but the most common inconveniences are listed below.

A loose or “broken” bracket is one that slides back and forth on the wire or is missing altogether. It most commonly occurs due to significant force from hard or restricted foods.
As teeth are straightening up, it is not uncommon for the ends of the wire to get long; you may try using wire clippers or wax until you are able to call our office during normal business hours to get it clipped shorter.
If a separator falls out more than 1 day before your scheduled appointment, please call our office to have it replaced.
Especially in the beginning of treatment or following the addition of new braces, it is not uncommon to have temporary cheek irritation. The cheeks toughen up over time as they get used to the braces. Meanwhile, a pain reliever can help minimize discomfort as can the application of wax to a particular bracket.
Use ice to immediately reduce the swelling. If teeth have broken, shifted, or have been knocked out, please call your general dentist immediately. If repairs need to be made to the braces (broken brackets, bent wires), please call our office to schedule a repair.