Braces can sometimes cause unexpected problems, especially when a bracket comes loose or a wire starts poking your cheek. While these situations can feel uncomfortable, many orthodontic issues do not require an emergency room visit. You can often manage minor irritation at home until your orthodontist can help.
If you experience an orthodontic emergency, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. The team can help you determine whether you need an appointment right away or can wait until your next scheduled visit.
Here are some common orthodontic problems and what you can do when they happen.
1. Loose or Broken Brackets
Brackets attach to your teeth and hold the archwire in place. Sometimes, eating hard or sticky foods can loosen a bracket.
If a bracket becomes loose but remains attached to the wire, leave it in place if it does not cause discomfort. You can apply orthodontic wax to cover any rough edges that irritate your cheek or lips.
If the bracket comes completely off, save it and bring it to your next appointment. Contact your orthodontist so the team can determine when you should come in for a repair.
2. Poking Archwires
Archwires can occasionally shift and extend beyond the back brackets, causing irritation along your cheeks or gums.
To make yourself more comfortable until your appointment:
- Apply orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to create a protective barrier.
- Rinse with warm salt water if the wire irritates the inside of your cheek.
- Avoid touching or pulling on the wire.
If the wire continues to bother you, contact your orthodontist for guidance. Avoid cutting the wire yourself, since you could accidentally swallow or inhale a small piece.
3. Poking Wire Ties
Some orthodontic treatments use small wire ties to help secure the archwire or guide tooth movement. Occasionally, an end may stick out and irritate your cheek or lips.
You can try gently pressing the protruding end toward the tooth with a clean pencil eraser. If it still bothers you, cover the area with orthodontic wax and contact your orthodontist.
4. Lost or Broken Elastic Hooks
Some patients wear rubber bands, also called orthodontic elastics, to help correct their bite. These elastics attach to small hooks on the braces and apply pressure to guide tooth movement.
If an elastic hook breaks or falls off, contact your orthodontist for instructions. Don’t attach your rubber band to a different bracket or hook unless your orthodontist specifically tells you to do so. Changing where you wear your elastics can affect your treatment.
Continue following your orthodontist’s instructions for your elastics, and ask the team how to proceed if you cannot wear them as directed.
When Should You Contact Your Orthodontist?
Contact your orthodontist if you experience:
- A loose or broken bracket
- A wire that pokes or irritates your cheek
- A broken elastic hook
- A damaged orthodontic appliance
- Persistent soreness or irritation from your braces
Most minor orthodontic problems can wait for guidance from your orthodontic team. However, certain symptoms need more urgent attention.
If you experience significant facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to your mouth or jaw, seek emergency medical or dental care. These problems go beyond routine orthodontic repairs.
Keep Your Orthodontic Treatment on Track
Even minor orthodontic problems can interfere with your treatment if you leave them unaddressed. Contacting your orthodontist promptly helps the team determine what needs attention and when you should schedule a repair.
At Unique Orthodontics, we want every patient to feel comfortable asking questions and getting help when something goes wrong. Our team serves families throughout the Central Valley with eight convenient office locations in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Merced, Visalia, Hanford, and Tulare.
Schedule an Appointment at Unique Orthodontics
Have a loose bracket, poking wire, or another concern with your braces? Contact Unique Orthodontics so our team can help you figure out the next step.
We offer complimentary consultations and personalized orthodontic care to help you stay on track toward your smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
Common orthodontic problems include loose brackets, broken wires, poking wire ties, and damaged appliances. Most do not require emergency medical care, but you should contact your orthodontist for instructions and to determine whether you need a repair appointment.
Can I fix a broken bracket at home?
You should not try to reattach a broken bracket yourself. If it remains connected to the wire, leave it in place if possible and use orthodontic wax to cover any irritating edges. If it comes off completely, save it and contact your orthodontist.
What should I do if my braces wire is poking my cheek?
Cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax to reduce irritation. If the wire continues to bother you, contact your orthodontist. Avoid cutting or pulling on the wire yourself.
Should I stop wearing my rubber bands if an elastic hook breaks?
Contact your orthodontist for instructions before changing how you wear your elastics. Do not attach them to a different bracket or hook unless your orthodontist recommends it.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of calling my orthodontist?
Seek emergency medical care if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, significant facial swelling, or a serious injury to your mouth or jaw. These symptoms require more than a routine orthodontic adjustment.