Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they happen, they can be uncomfortable, stressful, and confusing. At Glass Orthodontics, we want to help you avoid these situations altogether whenever possible. But if something unexpected comes up, we’re also here to guide you through it.
Here’s what you need to know about preventing common orthodontic issues, and how to handle them if they happen.
Preventing Problems Before They Start
Most orthodontic emergencies are caused by accidents, broken appliances, or poor hygiene habits. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your treatment on track and your smile safe.
Here’s how to stay ahead of potential issues:
- Follow your food guidelines. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage wires, loosen brackets, and even delay your progress. Stick to braces-friendly foods and cut crunchy items into smaller bites.
- Wear your mouthguard. If you play sports, a properly fitted mouthguard is essential. It protects your braces and mouth in case of impact.
- Brush and floss as instructed. Poor oral hygiene can lead to swollen gums, cavities, or even decalcification (permanent white spots on your teeth). Clean teeth = healthy progress.
- Avoid DIY adjustments. If something feels “off,” resist the urge to fix it yourself. Call our office, and we’ll walk you through the safest solution.
What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?
While some issues are urgent, others can wait a day or two until we can see you in person. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Not an Emergency (but still call us):
- Loose bracket
- Poking wire
- Lost aligner or retainer
- Mild soreness after adjustments
- Irritation from brackets or appliances
More Urgent – Call Us Right Away:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Injury to the mouth, face, or teeth
- Appliance is broken and affecting your ability to eat or speak
- Wire is embedded in the gums or cheek and cannot be moved
Temporary Solutions at Home
If you’re dealing with a minor issue, here are some quick fixes until we can see you:
- Loose bracket: If it’s still attached to the wire and not causing pain, leave it alone. If it’s moving or irritating your mouth, use orthodontic wax to hold it in place.
- Poking wire: Use a clean pencil eraser to gently tuck the wire back toward your teeth. If that doesn’t help, apply wax to the end of the wire.
- Soreness: A soft diet, warm saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers (as recommended) can ease discomfort.
- Lost aligner: Start wearing your previous tray and call us to see if you should move forward, stay put, or replace it.
We’re Just a Call Away
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out. Even minor issues can turn into bigger problems if left unaddressed. At Glass Orthodontics, we’ll help you figure out whether you need an appointment, a quick repair, or just some extra reassurance.
Orthodontic care doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the right habits and a little support, your journey to a beautiful smile can stay smooth and worry-free. Contact us today if you have questions or need help with your appliance. We’re always here to keep your smile on track.
