Orthodontist Emergency Care

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but it’s good to know how to handle common problems until you can see us. Whether it’s a loose bracket or a poking wire, here are some quick tips to help you manage discomfort and protect your smile.

Two Main Types of Orthodontic Emergencies

1. Injuries

If you get a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether or not you’re wearing braces, follow these steps:

Apply ice right away to reduce swelling.
Contact your family dentist in East Greenwich or nearby towns for evaluation and care.
Call our office to let us know what happened.
Usually, an X-ray is needed to check for damage.
If a tooth is knocked out, displaced, or fractured, your family dentist should be your first call. After their treatment, we’ll help adjust or replace any orthodontic appliances.

2. Broken or Loose Orthodontic Appliances

Sometimes brackets, wires, or bands can break or shift. Here’s what to do:

Call our East Greenwich office during business hours to schedule a repair appointment.
If you already have an appointment soon, tell us so we can plan extra time to fix the problem.
Please note: walk-ins aren’t accepted to keep our schedule on track.

Quick Fixes You Can Do at Home

Poking or irritating tie wire: Cover the area with orthodontic wax (you got this in your brushing kit), sugarless gum, or gently push the wire under the archwire with something like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
Loose band or bracket: Leave it where it is and call us for a repair.
Broken or poking archwire: If it’s safe, carefully bend it back with a pencil eraser or trim it with clean nail clippers. Call us if the problem continues.

After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies

If you have pain or urgent issues after hours:

Call our office and follow the emergency prompts.
The on-call doctor or clinical technician will be paged to assist you quickly.

This helps us keep your treatment on track and get you the care you need fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get a direct injury to my mouth or teeth?

Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling, contact your family dentist for evaluation and X-rays, and call our office to let us know what happened. If a tooth is displaced, fractured, or knocked out, your dentist should see you first, and we’ll adjust your orthodontic appliances afterward.

What should I do if a bracket, wire, or band breaks or shifts?

Call our East Greenwich office during business hours to schedule a repair. If you already have an appointment, let us know so we can plan time to fix it. Walk-ins aren’t accepted to keep our schedule on track.

How can I handle minor orthodontic issues at home?

For irritation or poking wires, cover the area with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum. You can also gently push the wire back under the archwire using a Q-tip or pencil eraser. If a bracket or wire breaks, leave it in place and call us for a repair.

What should I do if I have an after-hours orthodontic emergency?

Call our office and follow the emergency prompts. The on-call doctor or clinical technician will be paged and assist you as soon as possible.