Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do When Problems Arise

Orthodontic treatment is generally smooth sailing, but occasionally emergencies can arise that cause discomfort or concern. At Jaffe Orthodontics, we understand that knowing how to respond to these situations can make a significant difference in your comfort and treatment progress. This guide will walk you through common orthodontic emergencies and provide practical solutions until you can visit one of our offices in Barrington, Portsmouth, or Swansea.

What Qualifies as an Orthodontic Emergency?

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but certain situations require prompt attention:

• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Trauma to the mouth, teeth, or face
• Significant swelling or infection
• Broken appliances that cause injury to the mouth

For immediate assistance with orthodontic emergencies, call our team at Barrington (401.245.2626), Portsmouth (401.293.5555), or Swansea (508.375.3842).

Common Orthodontic Issues and Solutions

1. Loose or Broken Brackets

Brackets are the small metal or ceramic attachments bonded to your teeth. They can occasionally become loose or detach completely.

What to do:

• If the bracket is completely off, save it if possible
• If it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place
• Apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation
• Avoid sticky or hard foods that might have caused the issue

Our comprehensive treatment approach ensures that any disruptions to your orthodontic journey are quickly addressed, minimizing setbacks to your treatment timeline.

2. Poking Wires

As teeth move during treatment, the archwire may extend beyond the last bracket and irritate your cheek or gum.

What to do:

• Use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth
• Cover the end with orthodontic wax
• If you can’t reposition it, clip the wire with sterilized nail clippers as a last resort
• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce irritation

3. Lost or Broken Aligners

If you’re using clear aligners as part of your treatment options, damage or loss can disrupt your progress.

What to do:

• If you’ve lost your current aligner, either wear the previous aligner or move to the next one (depending on how long you’ve been wearing the current set)
• Contact our office promptly for guidance
• Never attempt to repair broken aligners at home

Need help with a damaged or lost aligner? Contact our office right away at Barrington (401.245.2626), Portsmouth (401.293.5555), or Swansea (508.375.3842).

4. Mouth Sores and Irritation

New braces or adjustments can sometimes cause temporary irritation to the soft tissues in your mouth.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water)
• Apply orthodontic wax to brackets or wires causing irritation
• Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic like Orajel
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

5. Loose Bands or Spacers

Bands are the metal rings that fit around your molars, while spacers create room between teeth before band placement.

What to do:

• If a band comes loose but remains on the tooth, leave it in place and apply wax if it’s causing irritation
• If a band comes off completely, save it and call our office
• Lost spacers typically need to be replaced promptly

When to Seek Immediate Professional Help

While many orthodontic issues can be temporarily managed at home, some situations require prompt professional attention:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Traumatic injury to the mouth or face
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to an orthodontic appliance
• Infection or abscess

Our technology allows us to efficiently diagnose and treat orthodontic emergencies, getting you back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Prevention Tips

Many orthodontic emergencies can be prevented with proper care:

1. Follow food restrictions – avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods
2. Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
3. Maintain excellent oral hygiene
4. Attend all scheduled adjustment appointments
5. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully

Remember that adult orthodontics patients may have different concerns than younger patients, but the same care principles apply regardless of age.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

We recommend creating an orthodontic emergency kit that includes:

• Orthodontic wax
• Salt (for salt water rinses)
• Over-the-counter pain reliever
• Topical oral anesthetic
• Interdental brushes or floss threaders
• Cotton balls
• Tweezers (sterilized)
• Our contact information

Contact Jaffe Orthodontics for Emergency Care

If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at Jaffe Orthodontics is committed to providing prompt care and guidance.

Call us at Barrington (401.245.2626), Portsmouth (401.293.5555), or Swansea (508.375.3842), or visit our contact page to schedule an emergency appointment.

At Jaffe Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can be stressful. Rest assured that most issues can be resolved quickly and effectively, allowing you to continue your journey toward a beautiful, healthy smile without significant disruption.

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