The Most Common Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Fix Them

Orthodontic emergencies are likely to strike when you expect it the least. To ensure swift and effective handling of orthodontic complications take a look at the blog below to get an idea of different orthodontic emergencies and their solutions. 

What to know about orthodontic emergencies?

Orthodontic emergencies primarily include a broken dental device that may lead to trauma and pain. Once you encounter an orthodontic emergency, you must immediately consult your orthodontist:

• Pain
• Broken braces, brackets and wires
• Lost Invisalign attachments
• Missing or broken retainers
• Lost fillings and gum inflammation
• Dental trauma

An orthodontic emergency may happen at any moment. Try to look in your mouth to establish what has broken. Although the occurrence of orthodontic emergencies is quite rare, you must make sure that you are familiar with the various emergencies and how to manage them.

If you have a busy schedule and are unable to see your orthodontist in-person, you can describe what has happened over phone and provide pictures of the problematic area to assist the orthodontist in understanding the nature of the emergency.

Understanding Different Kinds of Orthodontic Emergencies

1. Pain

It is normal to experience pain when the brace is first fitted and this can last up to 5 days and may initially require regular painkillers to relieve and settle the pain. Once the first week has gone by, you will be more accustomed to the feeling of tension and pressure on your teeth.

2. Loose or broken brackets

Eating hard or sticky food with fixed braces often results in a bracket becoming loose. The loose bracket may still remain attached to the wire despite being detached from the tooth. If it irritates your cheeks or the inside of your lips then covering the loose bracket with orthodontic wax will stabilise it until your orthodontist can replace the bracket and secure it to the wire. Breaking the brace regularly can impact the progress of your orthodontic treatment and lengthens your time in braces.

3. Wire jutting out and grazing the cheeks or lips

If the wire shifts inside your mouth then you may experience pain from the sharp end of the wire rubbing against the inside of your lip or cheek. Use the dental wax that you have been given to cover the sharp end of the wire and contact your orthodontist to arrange an emergency appointment.

4. Lost Invisalign attachments

Rarely a tooth coloured attachment may come loose and require rebonding. This is not an orthodontic emergency as the attachment will completely dislodge when you remove your aligner however you should still contact your orthodontist who will advise you whether to come in for an emergency appointment or whether this can wait until your next routine visit.

5. Broken retainers

Removable retainers may break, become worn down from grinding or can be lost completely. If worn, broken retainers may apply incorrect pressure on your teeth. Contact your orthodontist to arrange an appointment to replace the retainer. 

Fixed bonded retainers may come loose, break or completely dislodge if you continually bite into hard foods. If this happens then wear your removable retainer full time to avoid unwanted tooth movement and relapse and contact your orthodontist to arrange an emergency appointment to repair or replace the bonded retainer.

6. Lost fillings and gum inflammation

You will need to maintain a high level of oral hygiene when you have braces in place. Regular 6 monthly dental checkups will still need to continue with your general dentist as well as your regular orthodontic appointments. This will ensure that your dental health is maintained throughout your treatment. If you lose a filling during your treatment then you will need to inform your dentist as well as your orthodontist. Your general dentist will then see you to repair the tooth as necessary. In addition, regular dental hygiene visits are essential to ensure that any gum inflammation that may arise is managed quickly and expertly. The hygienist will also advise you regarding the best brushing tools and techniques for you.

7. Dental trauma

Falls, knocks and sports injuries are common and may result in chips, breaks or loss of teeth. Contact your orthodontist and your dentist immediately if this happens and they will provide you with the best advice depending on the type of dental trauma sustained. Remember to always wear a mouthguard for contact sports to reduce the risk of tooth injuries.

Ways to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

You should be able to avoid orthodontic brace emergencies completely throughout your course of treatment:

• Proper maintenance of braces: When your braces have been fitted, remember to follow your orthodontist’s advice regarding the foods to avoid and ensure that you are brushing or flossing after every meal where possible. Regular appointments with your orthodontist will ensure that your braces are intact and adjusted as necessary
• Restrictions on eating and habits: Whilst undergoing an orthodontic treatment with braces, you must refrain from consuming hard and sticky foods to ensure that your brace remains intact. Also avoid nail biting and pen chewing as this can break the brace or distort your wires
• Using a mouth guard during sports: If you have braces and take part in contact sports then you must wear a mouth guard. The mouthguard will need to be reheated and readapted to the shape of your teeth and brace as your treatment progresses and your teeth align