Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do if Something Breaks or Hurts

Orthodontic Emergency Guide: Quick Solutions When Problems Arise

Orthodontic emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times, causing discomfort and anxiety for patients and their families. While true orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, knowing how to handle common issues can provide peace of mind and prevent minor problems from becoming major complications. Dr. Jacy Papasikos and the team at Papasikos Orthodontics want every patient to feel confident managing unexpected orthodontic situations.

Understanding True Orthodontic Emergencies vs. Minor Issues

Not every orthodontic problem constitutes a true emergency. Understanding the difference can help you respond appropriately and determine when immediate professional attention is needed.

True Orthodontic Emergencies (Require Immediate Attention):

• Severe facial swelling or signs of infection
• Traumatic injury to the face, mouth, or orthodontic appliances
• Severe, uncontrollable pain that doesn’t respond to pain management
• Swallowing or aspirating a piece of orthodontic appliance

Common Non-Emergency Issues (Can Often Be Managed at Home):

• Loose or broken brackets
• Poking or irritating wires
• Lost elastic bands or ligatures
• Mild to moderate discomfort
• Food stuck in braces

 

Common Orthodontic Problems and Solutions

Loose or Broken Brackets

What Happened: A bracket has become detached from the tooth or is hanging by the wire.

Immediate Action:

• If the bracket is still attached to the wire but loose, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s causing irritation
• If the bracket has completely detached, save it in a small container or bag
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods until you can see Dr. Papasikos
• Contact Papasikos Orthodontics to schedule a repair appointment

 

Prevention Tips: Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage brackets.

Protruding or Poking Wires

What Happened: The end of an archwire is poking into your cheek, gum, or tongue, causing discomfort.

Immediate Solutions:

• Use a clean pencil eraser or the back of a spoon to gently push the wire away from the irritated area
• Cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax or a small piece of sugarless gum
• If the wire is significantly long, you can carefully trim it with clean nail clippers, but only cut the very end
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe any irritation

Lost Elastic Bands or Ligatures

What Happened: The small rubber bands or ties holding the wire to the brackets have come off.

Immediate Action:

• If you have extra elastics provided by Papasikos Orthodontics, you can attempt to replace them using clean tweezers
• If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself or don’t have replacement elastics, cover the area with wax and contact the office
• The bracket will still be held by neighboring elastics, so this isn’t urgent

 

General Soreness and Discomfort

What’s Normal: Mild to moderate discomfort after adjustments or when starting treatment is completely normal.

Pain Management Strategies:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed (ibuprofen is particularly effective for orthodontic discomfort)
• Apply cold compresses to the outside of the mouth for 15-20 minutes
• Eat soft foods and avoid items that require significant chewing
• Rinse with warm salt water several times daily
• Use orthodontic wax on any areas causing irritation

 

Emergency Kit Essentials

Dr. Jacy Papasikos recommends every orthodontic patient keep a small emergency kit containing:

• Orthodontic wax
• Small nail clippers or wire cutters
• Tweezers
• Small mirror
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Salt for rinses
• Small container for storing broken pieces
• Emergency contact information for Papasikos Orthodontics

 

When to Contact Papasikos Orthodontics Immediately

Call our office right away if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with pain medication
• Signs of infection (fever, severe swelling, pus)
• Injury to the mouth or face involving orthodontic appliances
• Swallowing or inhaling any orthodontic component
• Loose appliances that could be swallowed
• Continuous bleeding from the mouth

 

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Many orthodontic “emergencies” can be prevented through regular appointments with Dr. Jacy Papasikos. During routine visits, potential problems are identified and addressed before they become uncomfortable or damage the appliances.

Remember, most orthodontic issues are minor and can be managed comfortably at home until your next appointment. However, never hesitate to contact Papasikos Orthodontics if you’re concerned about any aspect of your treatment. Dr. Papasikos and the team are always available to provide guidance and ensure your orthodontic journey remains as smooth and comfortable as possible.