Emergency Care

True orthodontic emergencies are rare. Many problems can be solved at home temporarily by following the guidelines below. After alleviating any discomfort, you should call our office to schedule a time to repair the problem if necessary. Allowing your braces or appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in extension of your treatment time.

If you experience severe pain or an appliance problem that you are unable to take care of yourself, call our office, we will schedule a time to resolve the problem.
Please bring any loose, broken or ill-fitting brackets or appliances along with you to your next appointment.

General Soreness

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If necessary, take an over the counter pain reliever that you would use for a headache or similar discomfort. Use wax on any brackets or wires that may be irritating your lips, cheek or gums.

Loose Bracket or Band

If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, cover it with wax. Do not connect headgear or elastics to a loose band. If the bracket or band comes out completely, keep it. Call our office for an appointment.

Lost Wire or Elastic

Call our office to determine if an earlier appointment is necessary.

Appliance or Headgear Does Not Fit

Call our office for an appointment.

Loose Wire or Tie

If your wire has come out of the tube, attempt to place it back into the tube with a tweezer. If your wire has rotated around your arch, attempt to slide the wire back around to the other side. If the end of your wire or wire tie is poking you, attempt to bend it back with a spoon or a pencil eraser. Place wax on any area that may be irritating your lips, cheek or gums. Call our office for an appointment.

Accidents Involving Teeth

Call your dentist immediately, and then notify our office.