Emergency Care

At Home

Apply dental wax to cover the bracket and prevent irritation. If the bracket has come completely off the tooth, save it in a small bag and bring it to your appointment.

When to Call Us

Call us within 1–2 business days to schedule a repair. If you're close to your next adjustment, we may combine appointments.

At Home

Try using the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back into the tube. If the wire is long enough, you can carefully trim it with clean nail clippers. Cover with wax to prevent irritation.

When to Call Us

Call us so we can trim or reposition the wire properly at your earliest convenience.

At Home

Use clean tweezers or a cotton swab to try sliding the wire back into the tube at the back molar. If you can't reinsert it, cover the end with wax.

When to Call Us

Call us to have it repositioned — this is a quick fix at the office.

At Home

The small colored O-ring that holds the wire in the bracket. Missing one or two won't affect treatment significantly in the short term.

When to Call Us

Mention it at your next scheduled adjustment. No need for an emergency visit.

At Home

Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) several times a day. Apply dental wax over the irritating bracket. OTC oral anesthetic gel (like Orajel) numbs the area temporarily.

When to Call Us

If sores are severe, spreading, or not healing after a week, give us a call.

At Home

Soreness for 1–4 days after tightening is completely normal and expected. Eat soft foods, use OTC ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed, and rinse with warm salt water.

When to Call Us

No need to call unless the pain is severe or lasts more than 5 days.

At Home

Stay calm — small orthodontic pieces that are swallowed typically pass without harm. Do not induce vomiting.

When to Call Us

Call us right away. If you have any difficulty breathing, go to the ER immediately.

At Home

If a tooth is knocked loose, displaced, or knocked out — or you have significant pain, swelling, or bleeding — this is a dental emergency.

When to Call Us

Call us at 800-989-6674 or go to your nearest urgent care or ER. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist (in milk or saliva) and get to a dentist within 30 minutes.