Orthodontic Emergency Care
Occasionally, patients may encounter a braces emergency or sustain a mouth injury during orthodontic treatment. These issues generally fall into two primary categories: problems related to your appliances and direct injuries to the mouth or teeth. If you experience either situation, our team is here to provide immediate orthodontic emergency care. We encourage you to call our office right away so we can guide you through the next steps and help relieve any discomfort.
Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances can sometimes break or bend while under our care. If you notice a loose bracket or band, or if a wire becomes damaged or starts poking, please contact Nova Orthodontics for an appointment during regular hours. In the meantime, you can use these tips to minimize irritation:
- If a tie wire is causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax or gently tuck it under the archwire with a clean Q-tip or pencil eraser. Â
- A loose band or bracket often remains in place until your next visit, but do let us know right away so we can decide if it needs to be addressed sooner. Â
- To handle a broken or poking archwire, you may carefully bend it in with a soft pencil eraser or trim it with disinfected nail clippers.
Direct Injuries to the Mouth and Teeth
For direct injuries to your mouth or teeth—whether you’re in treatment or not—apply ice to reduce swelling and contact us as soon as possible. An x-ray may be required to assess the extent of the damage. If a tooth is chipped, knocked out, or moved out of position, make sure you reach out to Nova Orthodontics or your general dentist for urgent care. After your primary injury is managed, we will restore any disrupted appliances promptly.
After Office Hours
If you experience pain or a braces emergency outside of normal office hours, please call our emergency line. Our on-call doctors are available 24/7 to provide solutions for urgent orthodontic concerns.
Emergency FAQs
What if something needs immediate attention?
Call our office if an appliance breaks or is lost. Even if you already have an appointment scheduled, notify us of the issue so we can plan repairs.
What if something needs immediate attention?
Call our office if an appliance breaks or is lost. Even if you already have an appointment scheduled, notify us of the issue so we can plan repairs.
What if I have a loose bracket or bands?
Contact us for instructions. If necessary, you can use sanitized nail clippers to cut a wire. Then call to arrange a repair visit.
What if my wire is irritating or cutting my cheek?
Use a cotton swab or eraser to reposition the wire, or cover it with orthodontic wax. Trim it with sterilized clippers if needed. If you cannot resolve the irritation, call for an appointment.
What if I lose a separator?
Separators often fall out when the space is sufficient. Call our office to see if a replacement is needed.
What should I do about aches and discomfort?
Minor soreness is common when braces are first placed or adjusted. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply orthodontic wax until your cheeks become accustomed to the appliances.