Broken bracket? Poking wire? Call us first.
Most orthodontic emergencies look scarier than they are. Here's what to do at home, and how to reach us if you need to be seen.
The most frequent issues we see
Poking wire. A long wire end rubbing your cheek can usually be tamed by tucking the end down with the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser. Use orthodontic wax if it still irritates. Call us so we can clip it next visit.
Broken or loose bracket. If a bracket comes off, leave it in place if it's still attached to the wire and slide orthodontic wax over the area. Call the office to schedule a repair visit.
Lost retainer. Don't wait, call right away. Teeth shift quickly without retention. We'll get you in for a replacement before any movement starts.
Real dental emergency. A knocked-out tooth or serious injury to the face or jaw is a dental emergency, see your dentist or visit an ER first, then call us so we can adjust your orthodontic plan around the injury.
Always reach out, even if you're not sure
When in doubt, call the office. We'd rather hear about a small issue early than have something get worse over a long weekend. During office hours we'll find time the same day; outside hours, leave a message and we'll return your call first thing.