Braces are an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile, but every now and then small orthodontic issues can arise. Whether it’s a poking wire, a loose bracket, or tooth discomfort, knowing how to handle an orthodontic emergency can help keep your child’s treatment on track.
Here’s what you need to know about common orthodontic emergencies and how to manage them until your child can see their orthodontist.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies & How to Handle Them
Not all orthodontic issues require an immediate visit to the orthodontist, but it’s important to know when to act and what you can do at home.
- Loose or Broken Bracket
What’s happening? The bracket may still be attached to the wire or completely loose. This often happens from biting into something hard or sticky.
What to do:
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
If the bracket has completely come off, please save it and bring it to your child’s next appointment.
Contact your orthodontist to determine if a repair appointment is needed. If your child’s regular appointment is soon, it is often fine to wait to have it replaced.
- Poking or Loose Wires
What’s happening? The wire at the back of the braces may be sticking out and poking the cheek or gums.
What to do:
Try gently pushing the wire back into place using a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil. Cover the wire with orthodontic wax to provide temporary relief.
If the discomfort persists, call your orthodontist to see if adjustments are needed.
- Soreness or General Discomfort
What’s happening? It’s normal for children to experience some soreness after getting braces or having an adjustment.
What to do:
Provide soft foods and cold treats like yogurt or smoothies. Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (per your child’s pediatrician’s recommendations).
Rinse with warm salt water to ease gum soreness.
- Lost or Broken Retainer
What’s happening? Your child may misplace or accidentally damage their retainer, which can impact the ability to maintain the alignment of the teeth and bite.
What to do:
If lost, contact your orthodontic team as soon as possible to get a replacement.
If broken, bring the pieces to your next appointment so your orthodontist can assess whether a new retainer is needed.
When to Call Your Orthodontist
While most minor issues can be managed at home, some orthodontic emergencies require immediate professional care. Call your orthodontist if:
✔️ Your child is in severe pain that isn’t improving with at-home care.
✔️ There’s swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection near the braces.
✔️ A wire is deeply embedded in the cheek or gums.
✔️ A significant piece of their braces has broken off.
If you’re ever unsure whether a situation requires urgent care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for guidance.
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
To keep your child’s braces in top shape and avoid unexpected problems, remind them to:
✅ Follow dietary guidelines – Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that can damage brackets and
wires.
✅ Wear a mouthguard – If they play sports, a protective mouthguard can prevent injuries to
their braces and teeth.
✅ Practice good oral hygiene – Keeping braces clean helps prevent irritation and discomfort.
At myKIDSdds, we’re here to support your child’s smile every step of the way. If an orthodontic emergency arises, our team is ready to provide expert care and get your child back on track toward a beautiful, healthy smile!
