Dr Shahnaz Hashim
Orthodontist & Certified Invisalign® Provider
Dr Shahnaz Hashim
Orthodontist & Certified Invisalign® Provider
Orthodontic Emergencies
Most Issues Aren’t Serious — And We’re Here to Help
What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can happen. Most issues can be handled at home until you’re able to visit our office. Below are the most common orthodontic concerns, listed from least to most severe, and what you can do about them.
Orthodontic Emergencies
Most Issues Aren’t Serious — And We’re Here to Help
What to Do in an Orthodontic Emergency
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they can happen. Most issues can be handled at home until you’re able to visit our office. Below are the most common orthodontic concerns, listed from least to most severe, and what you can do about them.
Food Caught Between Teeth
This is not an emergency but can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. Use dental floss to gently remove the food. For extra help, tie a small knot in the floss, or use an interdental brush or toothpick.
Loose Ligatures
Ligatures are the tiny rubber bands or fine wires that hold the archwire to the bracket.
If a rubber ligature comes off, you may be able to replace it using sterile tweezers.
If a wire ligature becomes loose, remove it carefully with tweezers.
If a wire is poking your lip but still attached, gently push it back with a cotton swab or pencil eraser.
If a ligature is lost or several come loose, call our office during regular business hours for advice or to schedule an appointment.
Food Caught Between Teeth
This is not an emergency but can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. Use dental floss to gently remove the food. For extra help, tie a small knot in the floss, or use an interdental brush or toothpick.
Loose Ligatures
Ligatures are the tiny rubber bands or fine wires that hold the archwire to the bracket.
If a rubber ligature comes off, you may be able to replace it using sterile tweezers.
If a wire ligature becomes loose, remove it carefully with tweezers.
If a wire is poking your lip but still attached, gently push it back with a cotton swab or pencil eraser.
If a ligature is lost or several come loose, call our office during regular business hours for advice or to schedule an appointment.
General Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some soreness after braces are first placed or after adjustments. This usually lasts a day or two. To ease discomfort:
1.Eat soft foods.
2.Rinse with warm salt water
Mouth Sores
Braces don’t cause mouth sores, but irritation from brackets or wires may make them worse. Sores can appear on the cheeks, lips, or tongue. While not an emergency, they can be uncomfortable.
Apply a topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the sore using a cotton swab. Reapply as needed for relief.
Irritated Lips or Cheeks
New braces can sometimes irritate the inside of your mouth. Relief wax provides a quick solution:
Pinch off a pea-sized piece.
Roll it into a ball, flatten it, and place it over the bracket or wire causing irritation.
If swallowed, the wax is harmless
Protruding Wire
Occasionally, the end of a wire may slip out and irritate your cheek or gum.
Gently push the wire flat against the tooth with a cotton swab or pencil eraser.
If that doesn’t work, cover it with relief wax.
Call our office so we can schedule a repair.
If the wire is very bothersome and you cannot come in soon, you may clip it as a last resort. Use sharp clippers, protect the area with gauze or tissue, and cover the end with wax if needed.
Loose Brackets, Wires, or Bands
If any part of your braces becomes loose, call our office to determine the next steps.
General Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some soreness after braces are first placed or after adjustments. This usually lasts a day or two. To ease discomfort:
1.Eat soft foods.
2.Rinse with warm salt water
Mouth Sores
Braces don’t cause mouth sores, but irritation from brackets or wires may make them worse. Sores can appear on the cheeks, lips, or tongue. While not an emergency, they can be uncomfortable.
Apply a topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the sore using a cotton swab. Reapply as needed for relief.
Irritated Lips or Cheeks
New braces can sometimes irritate the inside of your mouth. Relief wax provides a quick solution:
Pinch off a pea-sized piece.
Roll it into a ball, flatten it, and place it over the bracket or wire causing irritation.
If swallowed, the wax in harmless
Protruding Wire
Occasionally, the end of a wire may slip out and irritate your cheek or gum.
Gently push the wire flat against the tooth with a cotton swab or pencil eraser.
If that doesn’t work, cover it with relief wax.
Call our office so we can schedule a repair.
If the wire is very bothersome and you cannot come in soon, you may clip it as a last resort. Use sharp clippers, protect the area with gauze or tissue, and cover the end with wax if needed.
Loose Brackets, Wires, or Bands
If any part of your braces becomes loose, call our office to determine the next steps.
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