What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?
A true orthodontic emergency usually involves severe pain, swelling, or an injury to your teeth, mouth, or face. This might include trauma to the mouth, an appliance that is causing persistent discomfort, or something that is interfering with your ability to eat, speak, or function normally. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us immediately.
For most patients, however, orthodontic issues are minor and can be handled at home temporarily until you’re able to come in for a scheduled repair. That said, it’s always important to let us know as soon as possible if something doesn’t feel right. Leaving a problem unaddressed—even a small one—can affect the progress of your treatment.
General Soreness After Getting Braces
It’s completely normal to experience general soreness for the first few days after getting braces. Your teeth may feel sensitive, and your cheeks, lips, and tongue might feel irritated as they adjust to the new appliance. This typically lasts 3 to 5 days.
We recommend eating soft foods—like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies—until chewing becomes comfortable again. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) or try using Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist to soothe irritated tissues. Over-the-counter treatments like Orabase can also help ease discomfort when applied directly to sore spots inside the mouth.
For more intense soreness, you may take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or Naproxen, as these can slow down tooth movement and affect your treatment.
Loose Brackets or Bands
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If a bracket or band becomes loose but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and apply orthodontic wax to reduce irritation. If the bracket has come completely off and is no longer connected, place it in a small envelope or plastic bag and bring it with you to your next appointment.
Loose brackets aren’t typically urgent unless they’re causing pain. Still, let us know as soon as it happens so we can schedule a time to fix it and prevent it from delaying your progress.
Loose or Shifting Wires
A wire that has shifted out of place can usually be guided back gently using a clean pair of tweezers. If the wire is completely loose and won’t stay in place, you can secure it temporarily using a piece of dental floss by tying it around the bracket to act as a placeholder. If the wire is long and poking or uncomfortable, and you cannot move it into a more comfortable position, you may clip it with a clean pair of nail clippers behind the last securely fastened bracket.
Cover any sharp or exposed edges with orthodontic wax and contact our office so we can schedule a repair.
Poking Wires or Sharp Edges
It’s common for wires to occasionally shift or stick out slightly, especially in the early stages of treatment. If a wire is poking the inside of your cheek or gums, try gently bending it back with a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil. You can also place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the area to protect your mouth until you can be seen.
Wax is available at our office and most drugstores, and we’ll show you how to apply it correctly if it’s your first time using it.
When in Doubt, Call Us
Even if the issue seems small, it’s always better to call and check in with us than to let it go unnoticed. Allowing a damaged bracket or wire to stay that way for too long could result in longer treatment times or unexpected delays.
At Sonríe Orthodontics, we’re committed to your comfort and success. That means providing the support you need—not just during scheduled visits, but anytime an issue arises.
ORTHODONTIST IN HIALEAH!
Emergency Care FAQs
What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
- True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but severe pain, injury to your mouth, or a broken appliance causing significant discomfort should be addressed immediately. If you’re unsure, contact our office for guidance.
What should I do if I have a loose bracket or wire?
- If a bracket or wire becomes loose but isn’t painful, you can temporarily cover it with orthodontic wax until your next visit. If it’s causing discomfort, call us so we can schedule a repair.
What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but severe pain, injury to your mouth, or a broken appliance causing significant discomfort should be addressed immediately. If you’re unsure, contact our office for guidance.
What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but severe pain, injury to your mouth, or a broken appliance causing significant discomfort should be addressed immediately. If you’re unsure, contact our office for guidance.
Let’s Take the First Step—Together
If you’re wondering whether it’s time for your child to start braces, we invite you to come in for a complimentary consultation. We’ll give you honest answers, clear next steps, and a treatment plan built entirely around your child’s needs.
If you’re looking for a trusted Orthodontist in Hialeah, FL, Sonríe Orthodontics is here for your family. Let’s build a smile your child will be proud of—starting today.
See What Our Patients Say
At Sonríe Orthodontics in Hialeah, FL, we love creating confident smiles! Hear from our happy patients about their journey with us.
Dr. Carolina Ramírez and her team are very professional, kind and very caring. We are very happy with the results, which have been wonderful, an incredible change in my child’s smile, I sincerely recommend them.
Yanet Lopez
