FAST, SUPPORTIVE CARE WHEN ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS HAPPEN

Orthodontic Emergencies Happen. We’re Here to Help.

Broken brackets. Poking wires. Lost appliances. Unexpected discomfort. Most orthodontic issues are not dangerous but they can definitely be frustrating. The good news is that our team helps patients through these situations every day. We work hard to help families quickly determine what needs immediate attention, what can temporarily be managed at home, and when we should schedule you to come in.
CALL THE WOODLANDS OFFICE
CALL THE SPRING OFFICE

HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS

Most Orthodontic Issues Can Be Quickly Fixed

Orthodontic emergencies are rarely true medical emergencies. In many cases, simple adjustments can temporarily relieve discomfort until we can see you at the office.
Our team will help guide you through next steps and determine whether you should: 1) Come in the same day, 2) Schedule the next available repair visit, or 3) Use temporary at-home solutions until your appointment.
The most important thing? Don’t panic. We’re here to help.
CALL IMMEDIATELY

Is There Swelling or Trauma?

CALL IMMEDIATELY

  • Swelling of face or gums

  • Trauma to mouth or teeth

  • Severe pain

  • Knocked-out tooth

SCHEDULE A REPAIR

Is An Appliance Broken or Loose?

SCHEDULE A REPAIR

  • Loose or poking wire

  • Broken bracket

  • Loose band or appliance

  • Lost elastic or separator

TRY HOME CARE

Are You Experiencing Mild Soreness?

TRY HOME CARE

  • Rinse with warm water

  • Use sugarless gum

  • Take OTC pain reliever

  • Stick to soft foods

PROBLEMS WE TYPICALLY NEED TO SEE QUICKLY

Issues That May Need Prompt Attention

Please contact our office as soon as possible if you or your child experience:

BROKEN BRACKET CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DISCOMFORT

If a bracket is loose and rubbing the inside of the mouth, we may recommend coming in sooner.

POKING OR
SHARP WIRES

Sometimes wires shift and irritate the cheeks or gums. Sugarless gum can help temporarily, but we may need to adjust the wire.

LOOSE EXPANDERS OR APPLIANCES

If an appliance becomes loose or stops fitting, it’s important for us to evaluate it.

TRAUMA OR INJURY
TO THE MOUTH

If there is significant swelling, bleeding, or injury after an accident, contact our office promptly.

SEVERE PAIN
OR SWELLING

Persistent pain or swelling should always be evaluated.

LOST OR DISLODGED
APPLIANCE

If an expander, retainer, spacer, or other appliance is lost or detached completely, prompt attention may be necessary.

TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS UNTIL WE SEE YOU

When Home Care Helps

Many minor orthodontic issues can be temporarily managed at home until your appointment.

IRRITATING BRACKET OR
POKING WIRES

Use sugarless gum to cover the area causing irritation. A clean pencil eraser may help gently move the wire away from irritated tissue temporarily.

LOOSE BRACKET STILL
ATTACHED TO WIRE

If the bracket is attached to the wire and comfortable, it can often wait until your scheduled repair visit.

MILD SORENESS AFTER
ADJUSTMENTS

Soft foods and OTC pain releivers may help prevent unwanted tooth movement.

LOST RETAINER
OR ALIGNER

Contact our office so we can guide you on next steps and help prevent unwanted tooth movement.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? We’ll walk you through everything during your consultation—so you know exactly what to expect before you start.

What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
Most orthodontic emergencies involve discomfort, broken appliances, or irritation rather than serious medical danger. Our team can help determine how quickly you should be seen.
Usually no. Most orthodontic issues can be managed through our office unless there is significant trauma, swelling, or injury.

Orthodontic wax can help temporarily cover the area. Contact our office so we can determine whether an adjustment is needed.

Sometimes. If it is not causing discomfort, we may simply repair it during your next scheduled visit.
Contact our office as soon as possible so we can help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Yes. Mild soreness for a few days after adjustments is completely normal and temporary.