Emergency care

Name: Embrace Orthodontists
Telephone: 1300 336 774

Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, and many issues can be safely managed at home. However, some situations do require timely attention from an orthodontist or hygienist. The guide below outlines common problems and the recommended steps to take.

If you are experiencing severe pain, significant bleeding, or have sustained trauma to the mouth, please contact us immediately or visit your nearest urgent-care facility.

Loose brackets, wires, or bands

If any part of your braces becomes loose, please contact our practice so we can advise you on the appropriate next steps.

When a bracket has rotated on the wire and is protruding, an appointment should be scheduled promptly. As a temporary measure, you may gently reposition the bracket using sterile tweezers. Please take care to avoid swallowing the component or causing further injury.

Occasionally, the end of an archwire may shift and irritate the cheek or gum. You may use a cotton bud or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully press the wire toward the tooth surface, or apply orthodontic wax for immediate comfort. If the irritation persists before your next scheduled appointment, please contact us so we can shorten the wire.

The small elastics that hold the wire in place are called ligatures. If a ligature comes off, you may attempt to replace it with sterile tweezers. Because multiple ligatures can sometimes dislodge at once, please check the entire appliance.

Missing or broken ligatures should be reported so we can determine whether an earlier visit is necessary.

To reduce the risk of loose or damaged braces, we recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports and avoiding hard or crunchy foods that may dislodge brackets.

Food caught between your teeth

Food becoming trapped between the teeth can be uncomfortable but is not considered an emergency. Dental floss typically resolves the issue. You may also use an interproximal brush (Pikster) or a toothpick to dislodge food particles from around the teeth and braces.

Discomfort

It is normal to experience mild discomfort for one to two days after braces are adjusted or aligners are changed. This sensation is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

If discomfort persists for more than one week, please contact us so we can determine the cause and provide appropriate care.

Mouth sores

Some individuals are more prone to developing mouth sores. While braces do not cause these sores, irritation from the appliance can aggravate them.

Although not an emergency, mouth sores can be painful. Applying a small amount of topical anaesthetic with a cotton bud can offer quick relief. Warm salt-water rinses or products such as Bonjela may also be helpful.

Irritation of lips or cheeks

It may take about a week for your mouth to adapt to your new orthodontic appliance. Mild irritation during this period is normal. Orthodontic wax can provide an effective barrier. Simply roll a small piece into a ball and press it over the bracket or area causing irritation.

If the wax is accidentally swallowed, there is no cause for concern, as it is completely harmless.

A piece of appliance is swallowed

Although extremely rare, a small piece of an orthodontic appliance may be swallowed. If this occurs, try to remain calm. If the piece is visible and can be removed safely without risk, you may do so.

If appropriate, inspect your appliance for any issues resulting from the missing component, such as looseness or new areas of irritation, and manage these as described above.

If you experience excessive coughing or difficulty breathing, the component may have been aspirated. If the piece cannot be located and you suspect aspiration, please contact us immediately.

Damaged appliances

A small number of patients experience damage to their orthodontic appliances during treatment. When damage occurs, treatment time may be extended.

We use the strongest orthodontic adhesives available, but it remains essential that patients take care of their appliances. While a single breakage can delay treatment, repeated damage may also incur additional costs.

Breakages can occur at any time, though they are more common during holiday periods such as Christmas, Easter, or school breaks. These are also our busiest times, and we appreciate your understanding regarding appointment availability.