It is important to be prepared for when a minor or major orthodontic emergency occurs. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure if you need urgent medical attention, you will need to first assess the severity of the problem. Dislodged, fractured, or knocked-out teeth usually require urgent attention. With minor emergencies, the problem is usually just an irritant and can be tended to at home until you can schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.

Minor Emergencies

The following are common minor orthodontic emergencies that can be treated at home until you can see your orthodontist:

Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands, or Wires

You can experience discomfort with your braces if you do not follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Eating foods that can easily damage or alter braces can result in loose brackets, bands, or wires, which can ultimately lead to breakage. This type of malfunction can result in your hardware poking the inside of your mouth, causing painful irritation or other types of injuries. Placing orthodontic wax over the hardware problem will temporarily relieve your discomfort until you can see your orthodontist.

Wire, Tie, or Bracket Shifts from its Proper Position

As you talk and eat food normally throughout the day, your braces will slightly adjust on their own. However, if an archwire or other hardware component significantly deviates from its proper position, it can poke the inside of your mouth and cause discomfort. You can use tweezers to adjust the hardware temporarily, so that you can eat and speak normally until you are able to see your orthodontist.

Severe Tooth Pain or Loosening

Some discomfort is normal when it comes to the shifting or loosening of your teeth as your braces do their job. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help decrease the pain. However, it’s important to recognize when your discomfort far exceeds what is normal. High impact, such as by a sports or vehicle accident, against your braces and teeth can cause severe pain. You will need to see your orthodontist as soon as you can so they can re-strengthen your teeth and maintain your treatment timeline.

Broken Retainers

Retainers are important for the longevity of your post-treatment routine and they are very fragile. If it ever breaks or bends in a strange way, visit your orthodontist for a repair or replacement.

Swallowing Part of Your Equipment

Though this is a less likely occurrence, swallowing an appliance can still happen. If your retainer has broken into small pieces in your mouth, it’s possible to accidentally swallow it when you’re sleeping or not paying attention. In most cases, the bit of your retainer will pass through your digestive system without harm. However, if you are choking or finding it hard to breathe, you will need to go to the emergency room immediately.

Major Emergencies

If you have sustained a high-impact blow to the mouth and are experiencing severe bleeding and pain, you will need to go to the hospital immediately. The emergency room may not have the expertise or equipment you need to repair your braces; however, you should still go if you’ve also sustained trauma to your neck or head. After you’re cleared to leave the emergency room, visit your orthodontist as soon as possible to repair or replace any damage done to your braces.