Emergency Care

Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do

True orthodontic emergencies are rare — but when they do happen, we’re here for you.

If you're experiencing severe pain or have a damaged appliance that you can't fix on your own, please call our office right away. We'll schedule an appointment as soon as possible to resolve the issue.

Quick Fixes You Can Try at Home

You might be surprised — many minor issues can be handled temporarily at home until you can come in:

Loose piece? If something comes off, place it in a small plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next visit.
Irritating wire? Cover the area with orthodontic wax to protect your cheeks or lips.
Wire shifted? Use clean tweezers or needle-nose pliers to gently guide the wire back into place, especially if it has slipped out of the bracket or tube.

Still Call Us!

Even if you’ve managed to ease the discomfort, it’s important to call us to schedule a repair appointment. Leaving a damaged appliance untreated can delay your progress and extend your overall treatment time.

Your comfort and care are our top priorities — don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns.

Dealing with Soreness After Getting Braces

It’s completely normal to feel some general soreness in your mouth after your braces are first placed. Your teeth may be tender to bite down on for the first 3 to 5 days — don’t worry, it gets better!

Here’s how you can feel more comfortable:

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup until chewing feels normal again.
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore spots in your gums and cheeks. Just dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse a few times a day.
Manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief like Acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

Lips, Cheeks, and Tongue Feeling Irritated?

That’s normal too — your mouth is getting used to the feel of braces! It may take a week or two for the inside of your lips, cheeks, and tongue to adjust.

To make it easier:

Use the orthodontic wax we provide to cover any brackets or wires that are causing irritation.
Don’t worry — we’ll show you exactly how to use it!

If soreness doesn’t improve or you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help make your orthodontic journey as smooth as possible.

Headgear Tips & Troubleshooting

Wearing headgear can take some getting used to — but if you're feeling discomfort, it may be a sign that it’s not being worn as instructed.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully — wearing your headgear for the prescribed number of hours is key to getting results and minimizing discomfort.
If the facebow (the metal piece) becomes bent or doesn’t fit properly, stop using it and call our office right away. We'll make any necessary adjustments.
Remember, the more consistently you wear it, the more comfortable it becomes over time.

Consistency is everything — wearing your headgear exactly as prescribed will help ensure your treatment stays on track and finishes on time.

Loose Bracket or Band?

Don’t worry — a loose bracket or band is usually not an emergency, but it’s still important to handle it properly.

Here’s what to do:

If it’s still attached to the wire:
Leave it in place and use orthodontic wax to cover it if it’s causing irritation.
If it comes off completely:
Gently remove it and place it in a small envelope or container. Bring it with you to your next appointment.

Be sure to call our office so we can decide whether it needs to be repaired right away or if it can wait until your next scheduled visit.

We’re here to help keep your treatment on track!

Loose Wire? Here's What to Do

A loose wire can be uncomfortable, but you may be able to fix it at home until we can see you.

Try this first:

Use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to gently guide the wire back into place.
If a colored o-ring (the small elastic) is missing, just leave it as is — we’ll take care of it at your next visit.

Still uncomfortable?

If the wire is poking and wax isn’t helping, you can clip it as a last resort:
- Use a clean fingernail clipper to snip the wire behind the last bracket where it’s still secure.
- After clipping, place orthodontic wax on the end to prevent irritation.

Once you've made yourself comfortable, call our office so we can schedule a time to properly fix the wire.

Poking Wire? Try This.

If a wire is poking your cheek or gums, here’s a quick fix you can try at home:

Use a clean pencil eraser to gently push the wire down and away from the irritated area.
If that doesn’t help, place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the wire to create a smooth surface and prevent further irritation.

Still uncomfortable? Give us a call so we can schedule a repair and keep you feeling comfortable.