Current Patients
Emergency Care
Most orthodontic "emergencies" are minor and manageable at home. This guide helps you figure out what you are dealing with and what to do about it.
Need to reach us?
Office hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
After hours: For true emergencies (facial swelling, trauma, severe pain), call an emergency dentist or go to urgent care. We will follow up the next business day.
Quick Guide
How urgent is it?
True orthodontic emergencies are rare. Most issues can be managed temporarily at home until we can see you.
Call Us Today
Severe pain or swelling in the face or jaw
May indicate an infection. Call immediately. If we are closed, go to urgent care or an emergency room.
Trauma to the face or mouth
If you have had an injury — fall, collision, or impact — call us right away so we can assess damage to braces, wires, and teeth.
Loose or dislodged permanent tooth
Urgent. Call us and, if needed, proceed to an emergency dentist or ER.
Wire completely out of all brackets
Do not try to bend it back. Call for an appointment to have it reinserted.
Call Within 1–2 Days
Broken bracket (not causing pain)
Should be addressed within a few days. Do not try to remove the bracket — call us to schedule a repair.
Loose bracket still attached to wire
Continue wearing your appliance. Call us to get it re-bonded within the week.
Lost aligner tray
Call us right away. We will advise whether to wear your previous tray, advance to the next, or come in. Time-sensitive.
Broken or cracked retainer
Do not force it in. Wear your previous tray if you have it. Call us for a replacement as soon as possible.
Manage at Home First
Poking wire end
Use the eraser end of a pencil or cotton swab to push the wire end toward the tooth. If still poking, cover with orthodontic wax.
Loose wire (one end out of bracket)
If you can gently reinsert it using clean tweezers, do so. Otherwise cover with wax and call us during business hours.
Soreness after adjustment
Normal for 1–3 days. Take OTC pain reliever, eat soft foods, give it time. Call if pain is severe or lasts beyond 5 days.
Cheek irritation from braces
Apply orthodontic wax over the bracket or wire causing irritation. Rinse with warm salt water. Tissue typically toughens within 2–3 weeks.
Keep orthodontic wax on hand
Orthodontic wax is available at most pharmacies near the dental floss. It temporarily cushions any bracket or wire causing irritation.
1.
Pinch off a small piece of wax
2.
Roll it into a ball between your fingers
3.
Dry the area with a tissue first — wax sticks better
4.
Press the wax firmly over the bracket or wire end
5.
Replace as needed — wax is safe to swallow in small amounts
6.
Remove before brushing, then reapply afterward
Still not sure what to do?
Call us during office hours. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be minor than have you go without help on something serious.