If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’re undoubtedly mindful of the importance of sticking to your treatment plan and taking care of your orthodontic appliances as instructed. But sometimes, even if you’re being careful, something goes wrong. Maybe you bit into something you weren’t expecting to be sticky, or you got hit in the face with a ball during soccer practice. A bracket comes loose. A wire pops out of place. What do you do?
While you may be stressed and embarrassed if an orthodontic emergency occurs, you should not panic. Many situations can be resolved quickly, and our office will always work to get you in as fast as possible for necessary repairs. Knowing what to do in the meantime, however, can help you feel more comfortable and minimize any possible complications. Here are some common scenarios we see and what you should do if they happen to you.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
An orthodontic emergency can happen to anyone, and the first rule is always to reach out to our office right away. In many cases, we’re going to need you to come in, and we want to do that quickly so we can keep your treatment on track. Even if you can’t spot exactly what’s wrong but something just feels off, give us a call!
🦷 Orthodontic Emergency Quick-Action Chart
| Issue | What It Is | What You Should Do |
| Broken or Loose Bracket | A bracket becomes detached from the tooth or wire. | Cover with orthodontic wax to reduce irritation. Do not try to fix it yourself. Call our office to schedule a repair. |
| Loose Wire | A wire pops out and may poke your cheeks or gums. | Try gently repositioning it. If uncomfortable, cover with wax. Call our office right away. |
| Lost Separator | A small band placed between teeth comes out early. | Not always urgent, but call us to find out if it needs to be replaced before your next step. |
| Cracked or Damaged Aligner | Clear aligner has cracked or is no longer wearable. | Stop using it. Contact us immediately. We’ll let you know if you can move forward or wait. |
| Unusual Pain or Swelling | Pain beyond normal soreness or visible swelling in mouth or gums. | Don’t wait. Call us immediately. This could signal a more serious issue. |
Keep in mind that even if you feel like you can tough out a broken bracket or wire until your next regular appointment, your orthodontics won’t be functioning the way they should while they’re broken. Don’t wait to call us.
Supportive Orthodontic Care in Orange County
At B Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing our patients excellent care throughout their orthodontic journey, and that includes occasions when something unexpectedly goes wrong. Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime, so we’re here to help you navigate past any bumps on the road to that destination. To learn more, contact us here to schedule your consultation today.
