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Orthodontic Emergencies
Broken bracket? Poking wire? Here's what to do — and when to call us.
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies are rare. Call the office nearest you during business hours if you have:
- A loose or broken bracket or band
- A wire poking your cheek or gums
- A lost or broken retainer or aligner
- Soreness that doesn't ease after a few days
Go to an emergency room or call 911 for trauma to the face or mouth, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding.
What you can do before your appointment
- Poking wire: push it flat with a pencil eraser, or cover the end with orthodontic wax.
- Loose bracket: leave it in place and cover it with wax if it rubs; save it if it comes off.
- Sore teeth: soft foods, a warm saltwater rinse and over-the-counter pain relief help.
- Lost aligner: wear your previous set (or next set, if advised) and call us.
Preventing emergencies
Skip hard, sticky and chewy foods (ice, hard candy, caramel, whole apples), wear a mouthguard for sports, and never use your teeth to open packages.
Call us
Call the office where you're treated and we'll fit you in on the next ortho day. You can also email arclineortho@gmail.com.
Houston orthodontics
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