Orthodontic Emergencies

Managing Minor Orthodontic Issues at Home

If you are experiencing discomfort or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. However, if you are unable to reach us immediately or need a quick solution, the following tips may help manage minor orthodontic issues until your appointment.

Loose Bracket

Occasionally, a bracket may come loose from the tooth. If it is not causing irritation, you may leave it in place. If it becomes bothersome, you can carefully remove it and store it in a small envelope or container to bring to your next visit.

Be sure to call the office as soon as possible so we can schedule time to reattach the bracket.

Poking Wire

If a wire is irritating your cheek or gums, try one of the following:

• Apply a small ball of orthodontic wax over the sharp end.
• Use clean nail clippers or cuticle cutters to carefully trim the excess wire.
• Use a pencil eraser or the back of a spoon to gently push the wire in toward the bracket to reduce irritation.

Contact our office if discomfort continues or if the wire cannot be managed at home.

Wire Out of Back Brace

If the wire comes out of the back molar brace:

• Try to gently guide it back into place using clean tweezers or needle-nose pliers.
• If you are unable to reposition it, clip the protruding wire carefully to relieve discomfort.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that may have caused the issue.

Call our office to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.

Poking Elastic (Rubber Band) Hook

Some brackets include small hooks for attaching elastics. These hooks can occasionally irritate the lips or cheeks. If this occurs:

• Use a pencil eraser to gently press the hook in toward the bracket.
• Alternatively, place orthodontic wax over the hook to smooth the area and reduce irritation.

Sore Teeth

Mild soreness is normal after getting braces or following adjustments. This discomfort typically lasts 24–72 hours. To manage soreness:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Eat soft foods (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies).
• Take over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed.
• Light chewing can actually help relieve soreness faster over time.

If pain persists beyond a few days, please contact our office.