Orthodontic Emergencies & Troubleshooting for Windham Orthodontics

What to do when something doesn’t feel quite right

Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, and most orthodontic problems can easily be manage until we can see you.  If something breaks, becomes uncomfortable, or doesn’t feel right, don’t panic!  The first step is to determine what happened and whether you need immediate attention.

At Windham Orthodontics, we want our patients and families to feel confident knowing what to do  when an orthodontic problem occurs.

Below are some of the most common orthodontic problems and simple steps you can take at home.

Is it a true Orthodontic Emergency?

Most orthodontic problems are not true emergencies and do not require a trip to the emergency room. 

However, if you have experienced significant facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing or a serious injury to your jaw or teeth, seek immediate medical attention.

For problems related specifically to your braces, appliances, or aligners, contact Windham Orthodontics so we can determine how quickly you need to be seen.

Common Orthodontic Problems

Loose or Poking Arch wire

A wire can occasionally move or come out of its intended position.  Especially in the early stages of treatment.  You may notice that the wire is poking your cheek, lip, or tongue.

What you can do:

• If the wire is simply irritating your cheek or lip, place a small amount of orthodontic wax over the area.
• If the wire has moved but is still attached , do not pull on it,  you may gently move the wire back toward the center of the tooth using a clean cotton swap or the eraser end of a pencil.

A little irritation is common

Your cheeks and lips need to become accustomed to new braces and wires.  Orthodontic wax is your best friend during these first few days!

Loose Brackets

A bracket may occasionally become loose from a tooth.

This can happen from eating hard , sticky, or chewy foods or sometimes simply from normal wear during treatment.

If a Bracket is Loose:

• Don’t worry.  A loose bracket is usually not an emergency.
• Leave the bracket in place if it is still attached to the arch wire.
• Avoid playing with or pulling on the loose bracket.
• If it is irritating your cheek, cover it with orthodontic wax.
• Contact our office so we can schedule a repair appointment.

Don’t try to remove the bracket yourself

Loose Band

If a molar becomes loose, it may feel like the appliance is moving when you touch it with your tongue.

What to do:

• Don’t pull on the band.
• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side.
• Save any pieces that have completely come off.
• Contact our office so we can determine the next step.

A loose band generally does not require an emergency visit, but it should be addressed so treatment can continue properly.

Broken or Lost Retainer

A broken or lost retainer is not a true emergency, but it is important to contact us promptly during office hours.

Teeth can begin to move when they are not being retained, especially soon after orthodontic treatment has been completed.

If your retainer is broken:

• Don’t try to repair with super glue.
• If it still fits comfortably and is not sharp or painful, let us know and continue to wear.
• If it is cracked, sharp, or no longer fits properly, don’t force it into place.
• Keep the broken pieces and bring them in with you.

If your retainer is lost:

Contact us as soon as possible so we can determine whether a replacement retainer is needed.

The sooner we know about a lost or broken retainer, the easier it is to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

Sore teeth After an Adjustment

It is normal for teeth to feel tender after braces are placed or adjusted, or when you begin wearing a new aligner.  This tenderness usually means that your teeth are responding to the gentle forces applied to move them.

Helpful hints: 

• Choose softer foods for the first day or two.
• Chew carefully.
• Cold foods or drinks may feel soothing.
• An over the counter pain reliever may help if you normally take one safely and according to directions.

Remember:  Orthodontic soreness should gradually improve.  If your pain is severe, persistent, or seems unusual, contact our office.

Sore or Irritated Gums and Cheeks

Braces and orthodontic appliances can occasionally irritate the cheeks, lips, or gums, especially when you first begin treatment.

Try:

• Orthodontic wax over the area causing the irritation.
• Warm salt water rinses.
• Keeping the area clean with careful brushing and flossing.

If irritation doesn’t improve or you notice significant swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection, contact our office.

Lost Invisalign Aligner

Lost an Aligner? Don’t panic!

Aligners are removable and occasionally get misplaced.

If you lose an aligner:

• Contact our office.
• Move to the next aligner if it fits.
• If the next aligner does not fit and you have your previous aligner, we recommend wearing the previous aligner temporarily.
• Keep your aligners in their case whenever they are not in your mouth to help prevent future losses.

Every patient’s treatment plan is different, so we’ll let you know what to do based on where you are in treatment.

What NOT to Do During an Orthodontic Problem:

When something breaks, it can be tempting to try to fix it yourself. Please Don’t!

Avoid:

• Pulling on wires and brackets.
• Using household glue.
• Cutting wires unless specifically instructed by our office.
• Forcing a retainer or aligner that no longer fits.
• Continuing to eat hard or sticky foods around a broken appliance.

A temporary solution that makes you more comfortable is fine but let our team take care of the actual repair.

When Should I call Windham Orthodontics?

Call us if you have:

• A loose or broken bracket.
• A loose band.
• A wire that is poking or causing significant irritation.
• A broken or lost retainer.
• A lost Aligner.
• An appliance that has become loose or uncomfortable.
• Pain that seems unusual or doesn’t improve.

We’re happy to help you determine whether you need to come into the office or whether you can comfortably wait until your next scheduled appointment.

We’re here When You Need Us!

Orthodontic problems can be frustrating, especially when they happen outside of normal office hours.  Most can wait until we can safely see you.

If you’re unsure what to do, call Windham Orthodontics.  We’d rather have you contact us and ask than  to worry at home.

Smile with confidence.

We’re here to help keep your treatment on track!