What to Do Right Now
Poking Wire
Use orthodontic wax to cover the end of the poking wire and protect your cheek or tongue. If the discomfort is significant and wax isn’t providing enough relief, use the flat end of a pencil eraser to gently push the wire down or back. As a last resort, use clean nail clippers to carefully trim the protruding end. Call us to schedule a wire appointment — we’ll resolve it properly at your next visit.
Loose or Broken Bracket
Do not attempt to remove the bracket yourself. If it’s still attached to the wire, use orthodontic wax to stabilize it against the tooth and prevent it from sliding or irritating the surrounding tissue. Avoid sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods until the bracket is repaired. Call our office the next business day — loose brackets are not urgent emergencies, but they do need prompt attention to keep treatment on track.
Lost Aligner Tray
If you lose an aligner tray, do not skip ahead to the next set — the next tray won’t fit properly and can cause harm to your teeth. Instead, move back to your previous tray (the one before the lost set) and wear it to maintain your current tooth position. Call us within 24 hours. We’ll evaluate whether a replacement tray needs to be ordered or whether you can safely advance to the next set based on where you are in treatment.
Swallowed Appliance
If you are having difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Airway obstruction from a swallowed orthodontic appliance is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you swallowed something but are breathing normally with no choking symptoms, call our office right away. In most cases, small orthodontic components will pass naturally — but we need to assess the situation and determine next steps with you.
When to Call Us vs. When to Manage at Home.
A true orthodontic emergency — one that requires an immediate phone call or same-day visit — is less common than you might think. Most situations that patients describe as emergencies can be safely managed at home until a scheduled repair appointment. Understanding which category your situation falls into can save you stress and an unnecessary trip to the office.
Call us immediately at (407) 359-1960 if:
- You swallowed an appliance and are having difficulty breathing
- You have significant facial swelling or signs of infection
- A wire is deeply embedded in your cheek and cannot be covered with wax
- You've experienced trauma to your mouth and are concerned about tooth or bone damage
Manage at home and call us at your next opportunity if:
- A bracket is loose but still attached to the wire
- A wire is slightly poking and can be covered with wax
- You've lost or misplaced an aligner tray
- You're experiencing normal soreness after an adjustment
- A ligature (elastic tie) has come off one bracket
How to Use Orthodontic Wax.
Orthodontic wax is a safe, non-toxic wax that you can apply directly over brackets, wires, or any part of your braces that is causing irritation to your cheeks, lips, or tongue. It creates a soft barrier that provides immediate relief while you wait for your repair appointment.
- Dry the area first: Use a tissue or piece of gauze to dry the bracket or wire before applying wax — wax adheres better to dry surfaces
- Roll a small piece: Break off a pea-sized piece of wax and roll it into a ball between your fingertips to soften it
- Press firmly: Press the softened wax ball directly over the sharp or irritating bracket or wire end and smooth it into place with your finger
- Replace as needed: Wax may dislodge when eating or drinking — reapply as often as necessary until your repair appointment
- Orthodontic wax is available at any pharmacy — ask us for a complimentary supply at your next visit
Don't Suffer in Silence. Call Us.
Our team is available during office hours to answer your questions, assess your situation, and get you in for a same-day or next-day appointment when needed. After-hours guidance is available by phone for urgent concerns. Call us at (407) 359-1960 — we’ll help you figure out what to do.