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A broken bracket or loose wire might seem like a worthwhile reason to panic, but is it really an orthodontic emergency? How do you know when you need to see an orthodontist? When should you take a breath and wait? Don’t worry; keep reading to discover which situations need at-home treatment and which need immediate attention.
When Does an Orthodontic Emergency Require Immediate Attention?
Loose brackets, poking wires, and missing elastics may sound scary, but how can you tell when you need to jump in the car and get to your orthodontist’s office? Here are a few situations to keep in mind:
- Broken Bracket: Don’t let a broken bracket delay your treatment. Although it’s not always an emergency, waiting too long can affect your progress and irritate the inside of your mouth.
- A Poking or Broken Wire: A poking or broken wire that is poking your cheek can be more than a nuisance; it can become a real problem if orthodontic wax doesn’t temporarily relieve the pain. Seek professional help.
- An Unusually Loose Tooth: Your teeth might feel loose while undergoing orthodontic treatment, but if you notice one or more teeth are moving around more than expected, call for help.
- Persistent Pain That Won’t Go Away: Mild soreness is normal, but if you experience persistent pain that doesn’t ease up over time, get to your orthodontist’s office. This is especially true if you notice mouth sores or irritation that dental wax doesn’t relieve.
You’ll also want to seek urgent help for excessive bleeding, continual swelling, if you sustain an injury to your mouth, or if you swallow a broken appliance. In some cases, you may need to visit the ER for immediate medical attention before seeing your orthodontist.
What Emergencies Can Wait?
Not every orthodontic emergency needs same-day treatment, so if you experience any of the following, trust that you’ll be okay until your orthodontist can see you:
- Loose Ligatures: If the rubber band holding your archwire to your bracket becomes loose, don’t panic. Yes, it needs to be replaced, but you can often do this at home with a pair of tweezers. If it is broken, you’ll need to see your emergency orthodontist.
- Loose Bracket: Since you’re unlikely to experience pain, you probably won’t need immediate care; however, don’t wait too long. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to hold it in place until your appointment.
- Broken or Lost Retainer: This is a situation that may not be worthy of a same-day visit, but you’ll need to call as soon as possible and alert your orthodontist to keep your teeth from returning to their original position.
While you shouldn’t dismiss an orthodontic injury, don’t immediately assume you’re dealing with a worst-case scenario. If in doubt, call your orthodontist for help!
About the Author
Dr. Saba Asrar has more than 15 years of experience. She is one of the few orthodontists in the U.S. selected to serve on the advisory board of the Council of Innovative Orthodontics for 3M. Her skills, training, and advanced expertise make her a top provider of orthodontic care, and she is ready to help in an orthodontic emergency. If you have a broken or loose bracket or a poking wire, visit our website or call (512) 828-7900 to schedule an emergency appointment.
