Orthodontic Emergencies
Know what to do when something does not feel right.
True orthodontic emergencies are uncommon. Most concerns involve temporary soreness, irritation, a loose bracket or a poking wire. Use this guide to decide what needs immediate medical care, what requires a call to our office and what may be managed temporarily at home.
Choose the concern you need help with
Normal Treatment Discomfort
Soreness does not always mean an emergency.
Mild irritation and pressure are common when braces are first placed, after adjustments or when beginning a new set of clear aligners.
Pressure and tenderness
Teeth may feel tender for several days after an adjustment or aligner change. Choose softer foods and follow the comfort guidance provided by the office.
Minor cheek irritation
Brackets may rub against the lips or cheeks while the mouth adapts. Orthodontic relief wax can protect the irritated area.
When to call
Contact our office when discomfort is severe, continues to worsen, prevents normal eating or sleeping or is associated with swelling, injury or appliance damage.
Common Emergencies
Temporary steps until our team can help.
These instructions are intended for minor appliance concerns. Stop and call the office whenever a step feels unsafe, painful or difficult.
Irritation Of Lips And Cheeks
Orthodontic relief wax can cover the part of the brace that is rubbing.
What to do: Dry the bracket as much as possible. Pinch off a small piece of relief wax, roll it into a pea sized ball, flatten it into a small disc and press it over the bracket or wire that is causing irritation.
Identify the bracket or wire rubbing the lip or cheek.
Use clean hands to take a small amount of relief wax.
Form a smooth ball approximately the size of a pea.
Gently squeeze it into a small disc.
Press the wax over the top and bottom of the irritating area.
Ligatures Come Off The Brace While Eating Sticky Foods
A small elastic tie may partially or completely come off a bracket.
What to do: Avoid pulling on the wire. If the elastic tie is loose and the office advises you to replace it, clean tweezers may help guide it gently around the bracket. Stop if the area is painful or difficult to reach.
The small round elastic normally holds the wire against the bracket.
Use clean tweezers gently and do not force the elastic or wire.
Brace Is Knocked During Sport Or While Eating A Hard Food
A bracket may become loose, slide on the wire or rotate away from the tooth.
What to do: Do not remove the bracket. If it is rubbing, cover it with relief wax. Avoid hard foods and call the office because the attachment may need to be repaired.
A loose bracket may appear off centre or move during brushing.
Use relief wax if the bracket sticks out or irritates the lip.
Call the office before attempting to reposition a rotated bracket.
Protruding Wire
A wire may extend beyond the last bracket or irritate the lips and cheeks.
What to do: Cover the wire with relief wax. If possible, use a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser to gently move a thin wire toward the tooth. Call our office before attempting to cut any wire.
Check whether the end of the wire is rubbing or catching the cheek.
Wire trimming should be attempted only when the office advises it and it can be done safely.
If trimming is specifically advised, protect the cheek and trap the small wire piece with folded tissue or gauze.
Preventing Appliance Problems
Protect your treatment between appointments.
Wear a mouthguard
Use an approved orthodontic mouthguard for sports or activities that may result in facial trauma.
Follow food guidance
Avoid very hard, sticky and chewy foods that can loosen brackets or bend wires.
Maintain oral hygiene
Brush carefully, floss daily and continue regular dental examinations and cleanings.
Call early
Contact the office when something feels loose, sharp or unusual so a minor concern does not interrupt treatment.
Submit Your Orthodontic Concern
Send photos and explain what is happening.
If the instructions above do not resolve your concern, complete the secure form below. You can describe the issue and upload clear photographs so our team can review the area. Our team will respond as soon as possible with guidance or appointment instructions.
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Open Emergency Form in a New WindowPlease Submit Your Concern
Call us when you need additional advice.
For an orthodontic concern, call 705-671-6261 so our team can ask questions and determine the best next step. For an urgent orthodontic emergency, call 705-698-3893.