Help for Broken Braces, Poking Wires and Orthodontic Pain
Orthodontic problems can be uncomfortable, stressful and confusing, especially when something breaks or starts irritating your mouth. At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, and our team provide guidance for orthodontic emergencies in Santa Monica, California, so you know what to do and when to call our office.
If you have a broken bracket, loose wire, poking wire, loose appliance, significant discomfort or another concern with your braces or orthodontic treatment, call 310-393-3344. Our team can give you instructions and help determine whether you need to come in for care.
If you are having trouble breathing, choking or believe a piece of an appliance may have entered the airway, call 911 or seek emergency medical help right away.
When Should You Call for an Orthodontic Emergency?
Some orthodontic issues can be managed temporarily at home until your next visit, while others should be checked by our team sooner. When in doubt, call our office. We can help you decide whether the problem needs an appointment or simple at-home care.
Please contact Santa Monica Orthodontics if you are experiencing:
- A broken or loose bracket
- A loose wire or band
- A wire poking the lips, cheeks or gums
- A lost or broken ligature
- A loose orthodontic appliance
- A broken retainer or aligner concern
- Severe or persistent orthodontic pain
- Swelling, injury or trauma involving your braces or appliances
- A swallowed appliance piece or concern that something has been inhaled
Our team will help you understand the next step and, when needed, arrange a visit so Dr. Khan can resolve the problem.
Food Caught Between the Teeth or Braces
Food caught between the teeth or around braces is usually not an orthodontic emergency, but it can be uncomfortable. Try gently removing the food with dental floss, a floss threader, an interproximal brush or a toothpick.
Do not use sharp objects that could damage your braces or injure your gums. If you cannot remove the food or the area becomes painful, call our office for guidance.
Ligatures That Have Come Off
Ligatures are the small rubber bands or fine wires that hold the archwire to the brackets. If a ligature comes off, you may be able to place it back over the bracket carefully with sterile tweezers.
If one ligature breaks or comes off, others may follow. Please call our office so we can determine whether you should come in for an emergency orthodontic appointment or if the issue can wait until your next scheduled visit.
Braces Discomfort or Soreness
Some soreness is normal after braces are first placed or after an adjustment. This discomfort often improves as your mouth adjusts. Eating soft foods, rinsing with warm salt water and using an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed can help reduce temporary soreness.
If you have severe pain, pain that does not improve or discomfort that feels different from normal braces soreness, please contact Santa Monica Orthodontics. Persistent pain may mean that a bracket, wire or appliance needs attention.
Mouth Sores During Orthodontic Treatment
Some patients are more prone to mouth sores. Braces do not usually cause these sores, but brackets and wires can make irritated areas feel worse.
You may be able to relieve discomfort by applying a small amount of topical oral anesthetic directly to the sore with a cotton swab. Orthodontic wax can also help reduce rubbing from brackets or wires. If sores are severe, keep returning or make it difficult to eat or speak, call our office.
Irritation of the Lips or Cheeks
Braces may irritate the lips or cheeks, especially when treatment first begins. Orthodontic wax can help protect the soft tissue while your mouth adjusts.
To use wax, pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball about the size of a pea. Flatten it gently and place it over the bracket or wire causing irritation. The wax is harmless if swallowed in small amounts.
Poking or Protruding Wire
A poking wire can cause irritation to the lips, cheeks or gums. If the wire has shifted out of place, you may be able to gently push it back toward the tooth using a cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil.
You can also place orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to reduce irritation. Please contact our office so our team can determine whether Dr. Khan needs to clip the wire or make an adjustment.
Loose Brackets, Wires or Bands
If a bracket, wire or band becomes loose, call Santa Monica Orthodontics as soon as possible. Brackets are bonded to the teeth, and if one becomes loose or moves out of position, it may need to be repaired by Dr. Khan.
If the bracket is still attached to the wire and is not causing pain, you may be able to leave it in place until we see you. If it is sliding or rotating, sterile tweezers may help gently move it back into a more comfortable position. Do not force anything into place.
If the loose bracket, wire or band is causing pain or irritation, cover the area with orthodontic wax and call our office for instructions.
Broken or Lost Retainers and Aligners
If your retainer, Invisalign® aligner or clear aligner is cracked, lost or no longer fitting properly, contact our office. Retainers and aligners play an important role in keeping treatment on track, so it is best not to wait too long before asking for help.
Do not try to bend, trim or repair an appliance on your own. Our team can let you know whether to wear a previous aligner, stop wearing the damaged appliance or schedule a visit for replacement or adjustment.
If You Swallow a Piece of an Appliance
Swallowing part of an orthodontic appliance is rare, but it can feel alarming. Try to remain calm. If you can see the piece clearly and can remove it safely without pushing it farther back or causing injury, you may carefully remove it.
Do not attempt to remove the piece if doing so could cause harm. If you cannot see the piece, are unsure where it went or think it may have been inhaled, call our office immediately for guidance.
If you are coughing, choking, having trouble breathing or believe the piece may have entered the airway, call 911 or seek emergency medical help right away.
What Not to Do During an Orthodontic Emergency
Trying to fix braces too aggressively can make the problem worse. Until our team can help you, avoid pulling on wires, cutting appliances without instruction or using sharp tools in the mouth.
You should also avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods if a bracket, wire or appliance is loose. These foods can cause more damage and make the area more uncomfortable.
Why Choose Santa Monica Orthodontics?
Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving braces, clear aligners, retainers and orthodontic appliances. Her experience allows her to quickly evaluate orthodontic problems and recommend the right repair or adjustment.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, our team understands that orthodontic emergencies can be stressful. We will help you stay calm, protect your comfort and take the right next step to keep your treatment moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Emergencies
Is a broken bracket an orthodontic emergency?
A broken bracket should be checked by our team, especially if it is causing discomfort or moving around on the wire. Call our office so we can tell you whether you need to come in right away or wait until your next visit.
What should I do if a wire is poking my cheek?
Try placing orthodontic wax over the wire to reduce irritation. You may also gently push the wire back with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. Call our office so we can decide whether the wire needs to be clipped or adjusted.
Is braces pain normal?
Mild soreness is common after braces are placed or adjusted. Severe, sharp or persistent pain is not something you should ignore. If your discomfort does not improve, contact Santa Monica Orthodontics.
What if a rubber band or ligature comes off?
If a ligature comes off, call our office. One missing ligature may not always require an immediate visit, but our team can determine whether the bracket and wire are still secure.
Can I cut a braces wire at home?
Do not cut a wire unless our team specifically instructs you to do so. Cover the area with orthodontic wax and call us for guidance.
What should I do if I lose my retainer or aligner?
Call our office as soon as possible. Retainers and aligners help protect your treatment progress, and our team can tell you what to wear or whether you need a replacement.
Call for Emergency Orthodontic Care in Santa Monica
If you have a broken bracket, poking wire, loose appliance, lost retainer or another orthodontic emergency in Santa Monica, CA, contact Santa Monica Orthodontics. Our team can give you instructions and help you determine the right next step.
Call 310-393-3344 now for help with your orthodontic concern.