Treatment

Orthodontic emergencies

Most orthodontic problems, such as a loose bracket, a poking wire or a lost aligner, are uncomfortable but not dangerous, and they can usually wait a short while for a visit. Call or text us at the practice line and we will tell you what to do next.

We are not a 24-hour or after-hours emergency service. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911, if you have swelling of the face, mouth or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or an injury to the jaw or facial bones.

Awaiting clinical review by Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong, orthodontist.

When we are open

When should I call about a problem?

Call or text us if you notice any of these during treatment:

• A bracket that has come loose or a wire that has broken.
• A wire that is poking your cheek, lip or gum.
• An aligner that is lost, cracked or no longer fits.
• A retainer that is broken, lost or no longer fits.
• Soreness that is severe, sudden, or lasts longer than the usual few days after an adjustment.
• A knock or injury to your mouth that has affected your braces or aligners.

What happens when I contact you?

Here is what happens when you contact us about a problem.

1. 01

   Reach us

   Call or text the practice line. If we are closed, leave a message with your name and what has happened. Please do not include other health details in a text message.

2. 02

   We respond

   We do our best to reply by call or text the same day, and to see you and fix the problem the same day when we can. On Sundays the office is closed; messages are monitored and we respond according to need.

3. 03

   Relief in the meantime

   We talk you through simple steps to stay comfortable until your visit, such as covering a rough bracket with orthodontic wax.

4. 04

   Your repair visit

   At your visit your orthodontist repairs or replaces what has broken and checks that your treatment plan is still on course.

How soon can a problem be put right?

Most repairs, such as re-attaching a bracket or replacing a wire, are short visits. A lost or damaged aligner or retainer may need a replacement to be made, and we tell you what to wear in the meantime.

How soon we can see you depends on the day and on how urgent the problem is. We do our best to help the same day when we can, and we will always tell you plainly what to expect.

What can I do at home for common problems?

• Loose bracket: if it is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax if it rubs. Keep any piece that comes off and bring it to your visit.
• Poking wire: gently push the end flat with the eraser end of a clean pencil, or cover it with orthodontic wax, then call or text us.
• Lost or cracked aligner: call or text us. We will tell you whether to go back to your previous tray or move on to the next one.
• Broken or lost retainer: call or text us soon. Teeth can begin to shift when a retainer is not worn.
• Sore teeth after an adjustment: a warm salt-water rinse and over-the-counter pain relief taken as directed on the label usually help. Soft foods make the first few days easier.

When should I go to the emergency room or call 911?

Some problems need care right away and should not wait for an orthodontic appointment. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911, if you have swelling of the face, mouth or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or an injury to the jaw or facial bones.

Once you have been seen, call or text us so we can check your braces or aligners and plan any repair.

What should I keep in an orthodontic kit?

A few simple things make most problems easier to manage at home, at school or when travelling: orthodontic wax, a small mirror, your aligner or retainer case, dental floss, and the pain relief you normally use. We are glad to give you wax at any visit.

Sources

• What is an Orthodontic Emergency?American Association of Orthodontists. Read September 30, 2026.

Where to next

• Braces: metal, ceramic and digitally planned→
• Clear aligners→
• Retainers and retention→
• The complimentary Smile Analysis→
• Financing and insurance→
• All treatments→
• Contact and location→

Your next step

The simplest way to find out what is right for you is a complimentary Smile Analysis. Reserve a time online, or call or text us and we will be glad to help.