Most orthodontic "emergencies" are actually manageable at home with the right guidance. We're here to help you know what to do — and when to come in.
Book a Free ConsultationUse 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Manage at home and call us at your next opportunity if:
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.
Use a tissue or piece of gauze to dry the bracket or wire before applying wax — wax adheres better to dry surfaces
Break off a pea-sized piece of wax and roll it into a ball between your fingertips to soften it
Press the softened wax ball directly over the sharp or irritating bracket or wire end and smooth it into place with your finger
Wax may dislodge when eating or drinking — reapply as often as necessary until your repair appointment
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.
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