What to do in an orthodontic emergency
First things first — true orthodontic emergencies are actually quite rare. Most issues that come up during treatment are minor discomforts that can be managed at home until your next appointment. Here's a guide to the most common situations and what to do about each one.
Poking or loose wire
A wire that has shifted out of place or is poking into your cheek or gum is one of the most common issues during orthodontic treatment.
What to do:
Try gently pushing the wire back into place using a clean cotton bud
If the wire is poking, place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the sharp end to protect your cheek or gum
If the wire has completely come out, keep it safe and bring it to your next appointment
Contact your dentist if the discomfort is significant or cannot be relieved with wax
Loose or broken bracket
Brackets can occasionally come loose — usually after eating something hard, sticky, or crunchy.
What to do:
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax if it's causing irritation
If the bracket has come off completely, keep it and bring it to your appointment
Contact your dentist to arrange a repair if the appointment is not any time soon
In the meantime, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods to prevent further breakages
General soreness after an adjustment
It is completely normal to experience some tenderness or soreness for up to 5 days after a braces adjustment or after starting a new set of aligners. This is a sign that your teeth are moving — which is exactly what we want!
What to do:
Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed — always follow the recommended dosage
Stick to soft foods for the first few days — think porridge, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, or soup
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritated gums
Use orthodontic wax on any brackets causing cheek irritation
Mouth sores or ulcers
New brackets and wires can sometimes rub against the inside of your cheeks and lips, causing small ulcers — especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
What to do:
Apply orthodontic wax over the bracket or wire causing irritation
Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day to promote healing
These usually settle on their own within 1–2 weeks as your mouth adjusts
Lost or broken aligner (for aligner patients)
What to do:
Do not panic — contact your dentist as soon as possible
In the meantime, wear your previous set of aligners to prevent your teeth from shifting back OR your next set of aligners (if you do not have your previous set)
Stay on your next set of aligners for double the usual duration
Swallowed a bracket or piece of wire
This sounds alarming but is actually quite uncommon — and in most cases, small swallowed pieces will pass through the digestive system harmlessly.
What to do:
If you are breathing normally and have no difficulty swallowing, monitor for any discomfort
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or think the piece may have been inhaled rather than swallowed — seek medical attention immediately. This is a genuine emergency
When to contact your dentist
Most orthodontic issues can wait until your next scheduled appointment or be managed at home. However, please contact us promptly if you experience:
Significant pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication
Swelling of the gums, jaw, or face
A wire that cannot be covered with wax and is causing serious injury to your cheek or gum
A lost or broken aligner with no previous set to wear
Any difficulty breathing or swallowing
💡 Dr Watt's tip: The best way to prevent orthodontic emergencies is to avoid the foods most likely to cause them — hard foods like nuts and hard candy, sticky foods like gummies and caramel, and chewy foods like bagels and tough meat. Your brackets will thank you! 😄
How to use dental wax on braces
What to do when there is a broken, loose or sliding bracket
