Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do & When to Call Elias Orthodontics

Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do & When to Call Elias Orthodontics

Orthodontic issues can be worrying, but the truth is that most “emergencies” are minor and can be managed at home with a few simple steps. At Elias Orthodontics, we’re committed to keeping your treatment comfortable, safe, and stress-free. This guide will help you understand what to do if something doesn’t feel right, and when you should give us a call.

⭐ What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?

Not every orthodontic problem requires urgent care. In fact, most situations, like loose brackets, poking wires, or lost elastics, can be temporarily handled at home until we can see you in the office.

A true orthodontic emergency is rare, but may include:

• Severe swelling or pain

• Trauma to the face, mouth, or teeth

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• A wire or appliance interfering with breathing or swallowing

If you experience any of these, seek immediate attention.

For everything else, use the Elias Orthodontics guide below to stay comfortable until your next appointment.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies & How to Handle Them

1. Soreness After Adjustments

It’s completely normal to feel tenderness for a few days after braces are tightened or after switching to a new aligner.

✔ What You Can Do

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed

• Enjoy soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies

• Soothe your mouth with warm saltwater rinses

✔ When to Call Elias Orthodontics

If discomfort worsens or lasts longer than 3–5 days, let us know.

2. Poking or Loose Wires

Wires can shift slightly, especially if you’ve bitten into something firm.

✔ What You Can Do

• Cover the wire with orthodontic wax

• Gently push it back with a pencil eraser or cotton swab

• If needed, use clean nail clippers to trim the very end

✔ When to Call Us

If irritation continues or you can’t get the wire to lie flat, contact our office.

3. Loose or Broken Brackets

Brackets can detach when too much force is applied - usually from sticky, chewy, or hard foods.

✔ What You Can Do

• Leave it in place if it’s still attached to the wire

• Use wax for comfort

• If it comes off entirely, save it and bring it to your appointment

✔ When to Call Elias Orthodontics

A loose bracket typically isn’t urgent, but let us know so we can schedule a repair without delaying your treatment progress.

4. Irritated Cheeks, Lips, or Tongue

New braces or appliances sometimes rub the mouth until it toughens up slightly.

✔ What You Can Do

• Apply orthodontic wax over the irritating spot

• Rinse with warm saltwater

• Use a mild oral gel recommended by your dentist or orthodontist

✔ When to Call Us

If irritation becomes painful or develops into a sore that isn’t improving.

5. Lost Elastic or Broken Power Chain

✔ What You Can Do

• Replace elastics if you have extras and have been instructed how

• Do not pull or tug on a broken power chain

✔ When to Call Elias Orthodontics

Give us a quick call so we can determine whether it needs a same-week repair.

6. Broken or Lost Retainers

Retainers are essential to maintaining your smile—don’t wait too long on this one!!

✔ What You Can Do

• If cracked but still fitting, wear it gently to prevent shifting

• If completely broken or lost, stop wearing it

✔ When to Call Us

Contact Elias Orthodontics immediately so we can repair or replace it before any movement occurs.

7. Aligners Not Fitting Properly

✔ What You Can Do

• Use chewies to help fully seat the aligner

• Make sure you’re on the correct aligner number

• Inspect the tray for cracks or heat distortion

✔ When to Call Us

If the aligner still doesn’t fit properly after 24 hours, let us know.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

At Elias Orthodontics, our goal is to keep your treatment as smooth as possible. You can reduce the likelihood of appliance issues by:

• Avoiding sticky, crunchy, or hard foods

• Wearing your elastics or aligners exactly as directed

• Keeping a small "orthodontic comfort kit" at home (wax, mirror, cotton swabs, salt, nail clippers)

• Staying consistent with your scheduled appointments - you’d be surprised how many issues can be spotted early

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When in Doubt, call us!

We’re here to help you every step of the way during your orthodontic journey. If something doesn’t look or feel right, you’re never bothering us -

reach out and we’ll guide you on what to do next.