What to Do in Case of an Orthodontic Emergency

While you are wearing braces to align your smile, there are several issues that can arise. If you have an orthodontic emergency, call our office to discuss the problem with our orthodontists or team. You may need to visit right away or you may be able to do something to alleviate the problem until your next scheduled visit.

Loose Bracket
Brackets are the ceramic or metal squares that are attached to the front of each tooth. They can become weak or break if you chew something hard or sticky. This can cause the bracket to come loose and poke into your cheek, gums, or tongue. Put orthodontic wax over the bracket to keep it from poking the inside of your mouth. This will make things relieve discomfort until you visit Drs. Burris, Fiegle, and Katie.

Broken or Protruding Wire
If a wire sticks out or becomes damaged, it can injure your gums, tongue, or cheek. You may use the eraser on the end of a pencil to push the wire back into position. If the wire will not move to a comfortable position, put a piece of orthodontic wax over the end of the wire. If a protruding wire has caused a sore, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic rinse or with warm salt water. This will clean the area and reduce discomfort.

We invite you to contact [practice_name] at [phone] today to learn more and to schedule an appointment. When you come into our office, our friendly orthodontists in [city], [state], may adjust, reposition, or reattach the existing brackets or wires. If necessary, brackets or wires will be replaced.