Managing Five of the Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they happen, Beacon Orthodontic Associates in Brookline, MA, is here to help. Dr. Sachs says, “Most issues like loose brackets, broken retainers, or poking wires can be managed at home with a little guidance until we see you.”

Call Beacon Orthodontic Associates anytime you’re unsure.

Key takeaways

• Orthodontic emergencies are rare but can still happen.
• Most problems can be fixed at home or eased until your visit.
• True orthodontic emergencies may need immediate attention.
• Beacon Orthodontic Associates in Brookline, MA, is ready to help.
• Dr. Sachs and our team will keep your treatment plan on track.

Orthodontic emergencies can catch you off guard

Ever had a wire poke your cheek or a bracket pop off while eating popcorn? If you’re wearing braces, you know these moments can be annoying. We get it. Here at Beacon Orthodontic AssociatesThis link leads to the Home page in Brookline, MA, we help you handle orthodontic emergencies without the panic.

Whether it’s a loose wire or a painful appliance problem, we’ll walk you through what to do next. Dr. Sachs and our team want to keep your orthodontic treatment plan on track and ease your worries.

Let’s explore five of the most common orthodontic emergencies and how you can fix or manage them.

What counts as an orthodontic emergency?

Orthodontic emergencies are rare. But when they happen, they can feel like a big deal. A true orthodontic emergency means you experience severe pain, swelling, or injury that can’t wait.

Things like bleeding, trauma to your mouth, or sharp pain fall into this category. If you’re unsure, please call our office. We’ll guide you.

Not every broken piece means a trip to the emergency room. Most times, you can ease the issue at home until we see you.

Loose brackets can mess with your treatment

A loose bracket happens when biting pressures or eating hard or sticky foods break the bond. It might dangle or spin on the wire. Try to keep it in place with orthodontic wax. If it falls off completely, put it in a plastic bag and bring it to your visit.

This is not always urgent, but you shouldn’t leave it for an extended period. A loose bracket can slow your tooth movement.

Contact our officeThis link leads to the Contact page so we can adjust your orthodontic treatment plan with Dr. Sachs.

That poking or protruding wire? Let’s fix it

A protruding wire or arch wire can feel like a needle in your cheek. Ouch! This type of orthodontic problem is common. Grab a clean pencil eraser or Q-tip to push it back gently.

Can’t manage it? Place wax over the sharp part to keep your mouth safe. Avoid sticky foods or chewing near that spot. Dr. SachsThis link leads to the Meet Us page will trim or replace the wire when you visit Beacon Orthodontic AssociatesThis link leads to the Home page in Brookline, MA.

Loose wires are annoying but not always urgent

A loose wire might slip out of a bracket or poke your gums. If this happens, use needle-nosed pliers to guide it back; if you can’t, put a soft wax ball over the end.

If it’s causing irritated gums or mouth sores, switch to a soft diet until we see you. Sometimes discomfort is part of the process, but we’ll help make it easier.

Contact usThis link leads to the Contact page if it gets worse.

Broken brackets or appliances need a look

Broken brackets or a loose appliance can feel weird, but they aren’t always true orthodontic emergencies. Try to move any loose pieces gently. Don’t pull hard or twist. If it’s safe, place wax around it.

If it’s your back tooth, watch what you eat. Stay away from crunchy snacks until we can repair them. Keep the piece in a plastic bag.

Dr. Sachs will make sure your treatment stays on track at our Brookline, MA, office.

Mouth sores from braces can be painful

Braces may rub on your cheeks or gums and cause mouth sores. We suggest rinsing with warm saltwater mouthwash made from eight ounces of warm water and a teaspoon of salt. Swish gently, don’t rinse your mouth vigorously.

Place wax over rough spots on your braces. This gives your mouth a break while healing.

We also recommend using a Q-tip to apply a little gel for pain relief if needed.

Food stuck in braces happens to everyone

This isn’t one of those orthodontic emergencies, but it can still be frustrating. Use a floss threader or soft toothbrush to clear stuck food. Never use sharp tools.

Eating hard or sticky foods makes this worse, so avoid those. If something just won’t budge, call our office.

Our team at Beacon Orthodontic Associates in Brookline, MA, will help you out quickly.

Broken retainers need fixing fast

Your retainer is key to keeping your teeth in line. A broken retainer can cause teeth to shift if left for more than one to two weeks.

Keep all the pieces, even small ones, in a plastic bag. Don’t try to glue it. That can hurt your digestive system if it breaks again while in your mouth.

Come in as soon as you can so Dr. SachsThis link leads to the Meet Us page can fix or replace it.

Orthodontic wax is your best friend

Orthodontic wax can save the day. It eases pain from wires, brackets, or any part of your orthodontic appliance causing trouble.

Dry the area first.

Then roll a tiny ball of wax and place it over the spot. This creates a barrier between the appliance and your cheek or gums. Keep some with you at all times.

It’s a quick fix until your next visit with Dr. SachsThis link leads to the Meet Us page.

When to head to the emergency room

Orthodontic problems are usually not life-threatening. But in rare cases, you may need the emergency room. If you fall and hit your face or break a tooth, go straight there.

Bleeding that won’t stop or swelling from infection also count. Don’t wait. Then, after that, we can update your treatment plan.

Call our officeThis link leads to the Contact page when you’re safe.

Call our office before trying something risky

Don’t panic and try risky fixes. It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole online. If you’re not sure what to do, call our office. We’ll tell you how to ease the problem until we can see you.

Even if it seems minor, it’s always better to ask.

Dr. SachsThis link leads to the Meet Us page and our team at Beacon Orthodontic Associates are here to help every step of the way.

Prevention is always the best plan

Most orthodontic emergencies can be avoided. Stick to your treatment plan, avoid sticky foods, and follow instructions. Keep your appointments and always wear your retainer as told.

Carry orthodontic wax, a pencil eraser, and soft foods just in case. If something still goes wrong, we’ll be here to fix it.

Wrapping it all up for you

Orthodontic emergencies can be frustrating, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Beacon Orthodontic AssociatesThis link leads to the Home page in Brookline, MA, we help you manage every bump along the way.

Dr. SachsThis link leads to the Meet Us page and our team will guide you, so you feel confident even when something breaks or hurts. Most issues are minor and easy to fix.

Whether it’s a loose bracket, food stuck, or a poking wire, we’ll keep your smile moving forward.

Stay prepared and know we’re only a phone call away.

Or:

• Call us at: 617-738-4746This link opens an application to make a phonecallThis link leads to the page
• Mail us at: info@beaconorthodontics.comThis link opens an application to send an emailThis link leads to the page

We are proud to serve the people of Brookline, MA. We are also very happy to welcome visitors from the surrounding areas. All are welcome to experience our unique, caring, and dedicated orthodontic services.