Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can happen. Whether it’s a broken appliance or an injury to the mouth, we’re here to help you get the care you need quickly and safely.
Most orthodontic emergencies fall into two categories:
Appliance-related issues
Direct injuries to the mouth or teeth
1. Appliance-Related Orthodontic Emergencies
If a part of your braces or appliance becomes loose, bent, or broken, don’t panic, these problems can usually be temporarily managed at home until we can see you.
Please call us during regular patient hours if:
A bracket or band becomes loose
A wire breaks or begins to poke the cheek or gums
A tie wire is sticking out or irritating your mouth
We are unable to accommodate walk-ins for emergency repairs. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment so we can make time to assist you properly.
Temporary Solutions You Can Try at Home:
Irritating tie wire? Cover the area with orthodontic wax or gently tuck the wire under the archwire using a clean pencil eraser or Q-tip.
Loose bracket or band? Leave it in place and avoid playing with it. Call us so we can reattach or replace it.
Poking or broken wire? Try using a pencil eraser to bend it back into place. If necessary, you can carefully clip the end of the wire with sanitized nail clippers. Apply wax if the wire still irritates your mouth.
2. Injuries to the Mouth or Teeth
If you experience a direct injury to the mouth, whether or not you’re in orthodontic treatment, follow these steps:
Apply ice to reduce swelling.
Contact your general dentist immediately. Injuries such as fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth should be treated by your family dentist, as they have the necessary tools and anesthesia.
Call our office after seeing your dentist if your orthodontic appliances were damaged. We’ll schedule you to have them repaired or adjusted once your dental injury has been addressed.
After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort after hours and need urgent assistance, please contact our office. You’ll find information about who to call and how to reach us for further support.
We understand that unexpected problems can be stressful. At Shelly Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you every step of the way so your treatment stays on track and you remain comfortable and safe.
