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Many common orthodontic "emergencies" can be handled easily at home. To help you accurately describe an emergency situation
to the orthodontist, use the diagram at the end of this section, which illustrates and names each part of a typical set of
braces. A list of supplies to keep on hand is also posted at the bottom of this section.
Piece of the Orthodontic Appliance is Swallowed or Aspirated
If you are able to see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it, but do not make the attempt if you would cause the
patient harm.
Encourage the patient to remain calm. If the patient is coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, the piece could
have been aspirated (drawn into the lung).
If there is no coughing or difficulty in breathing, and you suspect the piece has been swallowed, call the patient's orthodontist
for advice and instructions. If you are unable to see the piece and believe it may be have been aspirated, call 911 (or the
appropriate emergency number for your area) and the orthodontist immediately. The patient should be taken to an urgent care
facility for an x-ray to determine the location of the piece and appropriate follow-up care.
A Bracket is Knocked Off
Brackets (see diagram below) are the parts of braces attached to teeth with a special adhesive. They are generally positioned in
the center of each tooth. If the loose bracket has rotated on the wire and is sticking out, attempt to turn it back into its normal
position and call your orthodontist to schedule an appointment to have it reattached. You may wish to put orthodontic wax around
the area to minimize the movement of the loose brace. If you are in pain, please call your orthodontist and inform them of the
circumstance. If you are not in pain, this is not a true emergency. Please call the orthodontist at your earliest convenience to
schedule an appointment to reattach the brace to the tooth. Remember, brackets can become loose as a result of chewing on hard,
sticky or chewy foods or objects as well as from physical contact from sports or rough housing. Be sure to wear a protective
mouth guard while playing sports!
The Archwire is Poking
If the end of an orthodontic archwire (see diagram) is poking in the back of the mouth, attempt to put wax over the area to
protect the cheek. Call the orthodontist to schedule an appointment and have that clipped.
In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome and the patient will not be able to see the orthodontist immediately, as
a last resort, the wire may be clipped with an instrument such as fingernail clippers.
Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area to catch the
piece you will remove. Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire. Relief wax may still be necessary to provide
comfort to the irritated area.
"Ligature Wire" is Poking Lip or Cheek
Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire (see diagram) so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved
into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See "Irritation of Cheeks or Lips" below for instructions on applying
relief wax.) Make the orthodontist aware of the problem.
Irritation of Lips or Cheeks
Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth. A small amount of orthodontic wax makes an excellent buffer between the
braces and lips, cheek or tongue. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the
ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. If possible, dry off the area first as the wax will
stick better. The patient may then eat more comfortably. If the wax is accidentally swallowed it's not a problem. The wax is
harmless.
Discomfort
It's normal to have discomfort for three to five days after braces or retainers are adjusted. Although temporary, it can make
eating uncomfortable. Encourage soft foods. Have the patient rinse the mouth with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain
relievers, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be effective.
Lost Ligature (Rubber or Wire)
Tiny rubber bands known as "o-rings" (see diagram), are often used to hold the archwire into the bracket or brace. If an
"o-ring" ligature is lost, contact the orthodontist.
Food Caught Between Teeth
This is not an emergency. It can be resolved with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss
to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.
Diagram of Braces
To help you accurately describe an emergency situation to the orthodontist, use the diagram below, which illustrates and
names each part of a typical set of braces.
A. Ligature
The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic or a twisted wire.
B. Archwire
The archwire is tied to all of the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment.
C. Brackets
Brackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the archwire in place.
D. Metal Band
The band is the cemented ring of metal which wraps around the tooth.
E. Elastic Hooks & Rubber Bands
Elastic hooks are used for the attachment of rubber bands, which help move teeth toward their final position.
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