Orthodontic Emergencies - What to Do and When to Contact Dr. Rogers
Orthodontic emergencies can range from minor issues to more serious concerns. While most problems can be handled at a regular appointment, some situations may require immediate attention from Dr. Rogers. Knowing how to address common orthodontic issues can help prevent further complications and keep your treatment on track.
For less severe issues, such as a loose bracket or wire, simple at-home solutions can often provide relief until your next visit. However, more serious emergencies, such as severe pain, swelling, or broken appliances, may need urgent care. In such cases, it's important to contact us promptly so we can guide you on the best course of action.
Discomfort
After your braces or retainers are adjusted, it's normal to experience some discomfort for a day or two as your teeth shift into new positions. This soreness can make eating a bit uncomfortable, but it usually subsides within a short period. To ease the discomfort, try eating soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or pasta, and avoid tough or crunchy foods that could worsen the soreness. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help soothe any irritation and reduce inflammation.
While this discomfort is temporary, it’s important to reach out to Dr. Rogers if the pain lasts for more than a few days or becomes intense. In most cases, discomfort after an adjustment is a sign that your treatment is working, but if you’re concerned or need advice, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontic team for support and guidance.
Mouth Sores
Mouth sores are a common discomfort that some people experience during orthodontic treatment. While braces themselves don’t cause these sores, they can exacerbate irritation in the mouth, especially on the cheeks, lips, or tongue, where braces or wires may rub against soft tissue. Although these sores are not considered an emergency, they can be quite painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult to eat or speak normally.
To find relief, try using a topical anesthetic such as Orabase or Ora-Gel. Simply apply a small amount directly to the affected area using a cotton swab. This will help numb the sore and reduce irritation. You can reapply the product as needed throughout the day to keep the area comfortable. If the sores persist or become more painful, contact Dr. Rogers for advice on additional treatments or to ensure your braces aren’t causing more serious issues.
Ligatures Coming Off
Tiny rubber bands or small wires, known as ligatures, are used to hold the wire in place on your braces brackets. If a rubber ligature comes off, you may be able to replace it using sterile tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, carefully remove it with sterile tweezers.
If the wire ligature is not loose but is sticking out and causing discomfort to your lips, you can gently bend it back into place with a Q-tip or the eraser end of a pencil to avoid irritation. When one ligature breaks or pops off, other ligatures may also become loose, so be sure to check all of them. If you notice any missing or broken ligatures, it’s important to inform Dr. Rogers. He will advise you on whether you need to come in for an appointment or if the issue can be handled until your next visit.
Irritated Lips or Cheeks
New braces can sometimes cause irritation to your mouth, especially when eating. To relieve this discomfort, you can use a small amount of non-medicinal relief wax as a buffer between the metal and your mouth.
Simply pinch off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball about the size of a small pea, and flatten it. Place the wax completely over the area of the braces that’s causing irritation. This will allow you to eat more comfortably. If you accidentally swallow the wax, there’s no need to worry—it's harmless.
Loose Brackets, Wires, or Bands
If your braces come loose in any way, contact Dr. Rogers immediately to determine the next steps.
Brackets, which are the small parts of braces attached to your teeth with a special adhesive, are typically positioned at the center of each tooth. These brackets can come off if you eat hard or crunchy foods that you are advised to avoid, or if your mouth is struck during physical activity.
To prevent damage, we recommend that all patients, especially those with braces, wear a protective mouthguard while playing sports.
If the bracket is off-center, it may be due to the adhesive failing. In this case, it’s best to notify Dr. Rogers as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.
If the bracket has rotated on the wire and is sticking out, and you're unable to visit the office immediately, you can temporarily fix it to relieve discomfort and prevent further damage. Be cautious to avoid swallowing the bracket or causing additional injury. To re-position the bracket, use sterile tweezers to slide it along the wire until it is properly placed between two teeth.
Protruding Wire
Occasionally, the end of a wire may shift out of place and irritate your mouth. If this happens, use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to gently push the wire so that it’s flat against your tooth.
If you can’t reposition the wire into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax (see the "Irritated Lips or Cheeks" section above for instructions on applying relief wax).
It's important to inform Dr. Rogers about the issue so that it can be addressed properly.
If the wire is extremely bothersome and you’re unable to visit Dr. Rogers right away, you may need to clip the wire as a last resort. To avoid swallowing the clipped wire, use folded tissue or gauze around the area.
Use a pair of sharp clippers to snip off the protruding wire, and apply relief wax if needed to help soothe the irritated area.
You Swallow a Piece of Your Appliance
This situation is rare, but if it happens, it can be alarming. It’s important to stay calm.
If you're coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, you may have inhaled the piece into your airways or lungs.
If you can see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it, but DO NOT try if it could cause harm.
If appropriate, check your braces for any issues that may result from the missing piece, such as looseness or irritation, and follow the guidance provided earlier for treatment.
If you can’t see the piece and suspect that you may have inhaled it, contact Dr. Rogers immediately.