Orthodontic Emergency Care
Take a breath: genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare. Here's how to tell what you're dealing with, and exactly what to do next.
Emergency? Call (586) 725-4411 during office hours. After hours, text 810-334-9005
Include a photo if you can, it helps us tell you what to do next.
First, Assess
Is It a True Emergency, or a Minor Problem?
Some soreness when appliances first go on, and minor aches as teeth move into new positions, is completely normal. If you think you have an emergency, the first step is determining how serious it really is.
True Emergency
Seek Help Right Away
There are only a few true orthodontic or dental emergencies:
- Trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth
- Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face
- Severe pain or discomfort you can't manage
In any of these situations, seek help as soon as possible. Go to an emergency room if that's your best option. Generally, though, the place to start is with your regular dentist: they're trained to handle a range of dental problems and can offer the diagnostic tools, anesthetics, and treatments you may need.
Minor Problem
Soothe It, Then Contact Us
Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor by comparison, though they can still cause discomfort or irritation. The best approach: soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort at home, then contact our office so we can schedule an appointment with enough time set aside to take care of you properly.
Step-by-step home fixes for poking wires, loose brackets, loose appliances, and soreness are in our braces care guide.
The Most Common Call We Get
Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands & Wires
This problem is usually caused by eating hard or sticky foods, or playing with the braces. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is, and don't connect any elastics to it. Cover it with orthodontic wax if it's irritating the inside of your mouth. Then call us (or text after hours) to let us know what happened so we can plan the repair; broken appliances aren't straightening your teeth, and prompt fixes keep your treatment on schedule. Most breakages are preventable, so review our foods to avoid and wear a mouthguard for sports.
Not Sure? Just Ask.
When in doubt, reach out. Call our New Baltimore office at (586) 725-4411 or our East China office at (810) 329-6671 during regular hours. After hours, text 810-334-9005 and we'll tell you exactly what to do.
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