What is an Orthodontic Emergency and when should I call?

Any broken wire, bracket, or appliance should be repaired in a timely manner! As minor as it may appear, broken or loose orthodontic mechanics will lead to larger problems. Please know, that while something is broken it is not actively working which may hinder treatment or treatment time. 

The little blue elastics placed between your teeth to make room for your next appointment. If  any of these come out, call the office on the next business day.

Brackets (the pieces on your teeth holding the wires) can come loose or off.  Call the office during normal business hours to set up an appointment.

 Archwires (the wire over the bracket). Call first thing the next business day. Broken wires will require a quick visit to fix- about 10 minutes.  

The fun colors we change at every visit that go over the wire and bracket are there for a purpose. If your appointment is coming up soon, this is not an emergency. If your appointment is several weeks away, we will have you stop in for a quick visit. 

Lost or broken retainers or aligners are not an after-hours emergency. Please call the office during regular business hours. DO NOT WEAR any retainer or aligner that has the potential of breaking into pieces. It could be a choking hazard.

(Anything that isn't braces but is in your mouth). Please call the office as soon as you notice something amiss with any appliance. Each appliance is unique in function and has different solutions. By calling the office, we can ask some clarifying questions to set up the most appropriate appointment. If it is still connected somewhere else in the mouth, and we are closed, please text the emergency line to discuss the best option for the next appointment. 

Any significant pain or discomfort, swelling, or airway concerns is an emergency.  Any

swelling or airway concerns is an emergency.  If you have a loose appliance please refer to that section above.