Most problems that come up during orthodontic treatment are uncomfortable but not dangerous. A wire that pokes your cheek or a bracket that comes loose can usually be managed at home until our team can see you. A few situations, though, need medical or dental care right away.
This guide explains how to tell the difference, what you can do at home for common problems, and how to reach our office.
When to Seek Emergency Care First
Some injuries go beyond an orthodontic problem. In those moments, your health comes first. The American Association of Orthodontists advises calling 911 or going to an emergency room or urgent dental clinic right away for
- heavy or continuous bleeding from the mouth or face
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- a suspected broken or dislocated jaw or major facial trauma
- a permanent tooth that is knocked out or badly displaced
Signs of a head injury after a fall or collision, such as confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, also call for emergency medical care. Once the immediate issue is handled, contact your general dentist and our office so we can check your teeth and appliance.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist at all times. The American Dental Association suggests gently placing it back in the socket without touching the root if you can, or keeping it in milk or between the cheek and gums, and getting to a dentist right away.
Problems to Report to Our Office
These issues are not usually medical emergencies, but they can slow treatment if they are not addressed. The AAO lists them among the problems your orthodontist should know about.
- A loose or broken bracket
- A poking or loose wire
- A loose band or appliance, such as an expander
- A lost, cracked, or warped aligner or retainer
- Sore spots or irritation from braces
Please call or text us rather than coming directly to the office. That lets our team set aside time to see you and helps us prepare for the repair.
What to Do for Common Problems
A Wire Is Poking Your Cheek or Gums
Try gently moving the wire away from the sore area with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. If it will not move, cover the end with a small piece of orthodontic wax or cotton. Our office notes that if the wire keeps poking, it can be trimmed with nail clippers or small scissors that have been washed and cleaned with alcohol. If you cannot resolve it, text our office a photo of the wire so we can schedule a visit.
A Bracket or Band Is Loose
Contact our office for advice. If the bracket is still attached to the wire and is not causing pain, you can usually leave it in place and cover any rough edges with wax. If it comes off completely, save it and bring it to your appointment. In some cases after hours, a loose bracket may need to be slid off the wire or a wire end trimmed, and our comfort care instructions explain how to do that safely.
An Aligner Is Lost or Cracked
Contact our office as soon as possible. Our team will let you know whether to go back to your previous set, move to the next one, or wait for a replacement. Try not to go without trays for long, since teeth can begin to shift.
A Retainer Is Lost or Broken
Call our office so we can arrange a replacement. Teeth can move when a retainer is not worn, so it helps to call before your next checkup. Our retainer instructions include tips for keeping retainers safe.
Soreness After an Adjustment
Tenderness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted is common and is not an emergency. Soft foods and orthodontic wax can help. Our guide to braces and aligner care includes more ways to manage soreness. Call us if pain is severe, keeps getting worse, or comes with swelling or fever.
Keep a Small Orthodontic Kit Handy
A few supplies can make minor problems much easier to handle at home, at school, or while traveling. The AAO suggests keeping
- orthodontic wax
- a small mirror
- clean nail clippers or a cuticle cutter
- a small case for aligners, retainers, or broken pieces
Adding a travel toothbrush and floss threaders can also help.
Preventing Problems
Many orthodontic emergencies can be avoided. Skip hard, sticky, and chewy foods, keep up with regular appointments, and wear a mouthguard for sports. Our guide to sports with braces explains which mouthguards work with orthodontic appliances.
How to Reach Our Office
- Current patients can call or text (205) 879-0557.
- New patients can call (659) 734-1740.
- Office hours are Monday through Thursday from half past seven in the morning until half past four in the afternoon, plus two Friday mornings a month.
- Birmingham office is located at 3507 Old Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35209.
- Sylacauga patients can find details for our Sylacauga orthodontist location online.
If a wire or bracket problem happens after hours or over the weekend, use the at-home steps above and call our office on the next business day. For bleeding, breathing trouble, or facial injury, seek emergency care first.
We Are Here to Help
Our team would always rather hear from you than have you wait with a problem. Families searching for an orthodontist in Vestavia Hills or nearby can visit our Homewood-area office, and new patients receive a complimentary first visit. You can also contact our office online with non-urgent questions.