Orthodontic Emergency Care

Experiencing an orthodontic emergency? We’re here to help. Call us right away at (509) 628-0110.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Most orthodontic issues are minor and can wait until regular business hours, but some situations require immediate attention. Here’s what to do for common problems:

Loose or Broken Bracket

What Happened:

A bracket has come loose from your tooth or broken.

Urgency:

Not usually urgent, but should be repaired soon.

What to Do:

01

If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place

02

If it’s loose and bothering you, apply orthodontic wax over it

03

Call us to schedule a repair appointment

04

Do not try to remove it yourself

When to Call Immediately:

If you swallow or inhale the bracket.

Poking or Broken Wire

What Happened:

A wire is poking your cheek, tongue, or gums.

Urgency:

Can usually be managed temporarily at home.

What to Do:

01

Apply orthodontic wax over the poking area

02

Try gently pushing the wire away from the irritated area
using a pencil eraser

03

If the wire is completely out of the tube, you can carefully clip it with clean nail clippers or small wire cutters

04

Call us if wax doesn’t solve the problem

When to Call Immediately:

If the wire is puncturing soft tissue or causing significant pain.

Mouth Sores or Irritation

What Happened:

Brackets or wires are causing sores in your mouth.

Urgency:

Not urgent, but uncomfortable.

What to Do:

01

Apply orthodontic wax to the irritating bracket or wire

02

Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water)

03

Use over-the-counter oral pain gel if needed

04

Sores typically heal in a few days as your mouth adjusts

When to Call Immediately:

If irritation persists after a week or worsens significantly.

Lost or Broken Elastic/Tie

What Happened:

The small colored elastic (ligature) that holds the wire to the bracket is missing.

Urgency:

Minor—can wait for your next appointment.

What to Do:

01

Don’t worry—this is not an emergency

02

The wire usually stays in place even without one elastic

03

Make a note to mention it at your next appointment

When to Call Immediately:

If multiple elastics are missing or the wire seems loose.

General Soreness

What Happened:

Your teeth are sore after adjustment.

Urgency:

Normal and expected.

What to Do:

01

Take over-the-counter pain reliever as directed

02

Eat soft foods for a day or two

03

Rinse with warm salt water

04

Soreness typically resolves within 2-4 days

When to Call Immediately:

If soreness is severe or lasts more than a week.

Loose or Lost Invisalign Aligner

What Happened:

Your Invisalign aligner is lost or doesn’t fit properly.

Urgency:

Should address within a day.

What to Do:

01

Call us immediately

02

We’ll advise whether to wear your previous aligner or move to the next one

03

Don’t go without aligners—teeth can shift quickly

When to Call Immediately:

As soon as you notice.

Swallowed or Inhaled Appliance

What Happened:

You’ve swallowed or think you’ve inhaled a piece of your orthodontic appliance.

Urgency:

Potentially serious.

What to Do:

01

Call us immediately

02

If you’re having difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately

03

If swallowed (not inhaled) and you’re breathing normally, monitor for symptoms

04

It will usually pass through your digestive system harmlessly, but medical evaluation is recommended

Facial/Dental Trauma

What Happened:

You’ve experienced trauma to your face, mouth, or teeth.

Urgency:

Urgent—seek immediate medical care.

What to Do:

01

Seek emergency medical care if needed

02

Call us as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment

03

Save any pieces of broken teeth or appliances

04

We’ll evaluate and repair orthodontic appliances after medical issues are addressed

After-Hours Emergencies

If You Have an Emergency Outside Business Hours:

01

Call our office: (509) 628-0110

02

Listen for after-hours emergency instructions

03

For true medical emergencies (difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe trauma), call 911 or go to the emergency room first, then contact us