Orthodontic Emergency Care | What to Do When Something Happens

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but we know they can feel stressful, especially for parents. The good news? Most issues can be handled comfortably at home until our team at Advanced Orthodontics in Kent, WA can see you. Whether it’s a poking wire, a loose bracket, or an unexpected injury, we’re here to help you stay calm, take the right steps, and keep treatment moving forward.

Below you’ll find simple, practical guidance for the most common orthodontic problems, plus what to do after hours when your child is in pain and needs support.

What Should I Do If My Child Experiences an Injury to the Mouth?

Accidents happen. A fall during sports, a collision on the playground, or even a knock to the face at home can cause discomfort or damage to the teeth, whether braces are present or not.

Here’s what to do right away:

• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Contact your family dentist first, especially if a tooth is fractured, displaced, or knocked out
• Call our office so our team can guide you and plan the next steps

Why call the dentist first? Dental injuries often require anesthesia or restorative materials that orthodontic offices don’t carry. Your dentist will assess the tooth, take necessary X-rays, and determine whether urgent care is needed.

Once your dentist evaluates the tooth, our team will step in to repair or adjust any orthodontic appliances that were loosened or displaced. Your comfort and safety are always our priority, and we will coordinate closely with your dentist to ensure everything heals properly and your braces continue working as intended.

What If an Orthodontic Appliance Breaks?

Braces are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Sometimes a wire bends, a bracket loosens, or a band pops off. These issues are usually not emergencies, but they should not be ignored.

If something breaks, here’s what to do:

• Call our office during patient hours so we can schedule a repair
• If you already have an appointment soon, let us know ahead of time so we can allow extra time to fix the issue
• Avoid walk-in visits, repairs require specific scheduling to serve all patients effectively

Helpful At-Home Tips

These quick fixes can ease discomfort until your appointment:

• Irritating wire?
  Cover it with orthodontic wax or press it gently into place with a pencil eraser or cotton swab.
• Loose band or bracket?
  It can usually stay in place temporarily. Avoid pulling on it. Call our office so we can plan your repair visit.
• Poking archwire?
  You may be able to tuck it in gently or trim the end with clean nail clippers if it’s sticking out significantly. Call us afterward so we can check the area and ensure everything is secure.

The sooner we know about the issue, the sooner we can help prevent delays in treatment.

What Counts as a True Orthodontic Emergency?

A true orthodontic emergency usually involves pain that cannot be relieved with home care. Examples include:

• A wire causing a painful sore that cannot be covered
• A bracket or appliance that has broken in a way that is cutting the cheek or gums
• A significant injury to the mouth or teeth

If your child is uncomfortable or unable to sleep because of an appliance issue, we want to know right away.

What Should I Do After Office Hours?

If you’re experiencing an urgent problem that causes pain outside regular office hours:

• Call our main number
• Follow the prompts for an orthodontic emergency
• The doctor or clinical technician on call will be paged to respond

We’re here for you. Even if we cannot resolve the issue completely after hours, we will guide you through temporary solutions and ensure you know the next steps until we can see you in person.

When Should I Call the Office?

You should contact our office if:

• Something feels loose or out of place
• A wire is poking and painful
• An injury has occurred
• Your child cannot wear their appliances properly
• You’re unsure whether something is normal or not

If you’re ever in doubt, call us, no question is too small. Our team is dedicated to helping your child feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout their orthodontic experience.