Not knowing how to respond in an emergency is just about the worst feeling ever. That’s why, even though true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we want to tell you how to handle the most common situations. The good news is: There are simple at-home fixes for almost all orthodontic problems. The best news is that Carter & Higgins Orthodontics is here for you if you are in an emergency. It’s not uncommon for your teeth to feel sore when you first get your braces (or even after an adjustment). But if you find yourself saying, “oh no – my braces bracket fell off,” or “my expander is loose,” or “this hurts!” — we want you to have the support you deserve. If you’re ever in pain or unsure how serious an issue might be, please call our office immediately so we can help.
Braces Bracket Fell Off or Another Emergency? Call Carter & Higgins Orthodontics!
Brackets falling off are certainly not something that every patient experiences. But sometimes, your braces get damaged – especially when eating sticky or crunchy foods. In other cases, the issue is caused by the glue for your brackets not setting properly.
How to Handle a Loose Bracket
The two most common problems with loose brackets are that the bracket either feels a little loose or detaches completely. Wondering what to do when a bracket comes loose? If your bracket feels loose, contact the Carter & Higgins Orthodontics team to schedule an appointment. Typically, all that needs to be done is reapply the glue and ensure it is secure. If your braces bracket falls off entirely, save it in an envelope or plastic bag and call us right away to have it reattached.
Broken Wire Or Poking Wire
Here are a few at-home tips for managing a poking wire:
- Dental wax is your best friend! Cover the end of the poking wire with braces wax to keep it from irritating you.
- You can try using a pencil eraser to turn the wire downward gently.
- If it’s poking out enough, you can try using a nail clipper to cut back the extra piece of wire — just be sure you don’t cut any other wires.
However, if you find yourself with a broken wire, it will need to be addressed by your orthodontist. The wires are critical to making sure your braces continue to work efficiently, so it’s not something that you want to wait on. The short version is: call us if you have a broken wire!
Did A Wire Pop Out of its Back Bracket?
An archwire is most likely to pop out of its back bracket when it gets bent by hard or sticky foods. If this happens to you, you may be able to put the wire back into its back bracket using tweezers. If that doesn’t work, call us to schedule an appointment. We will replace your wire, and you’ll be good as new! To prevent this from happening, try avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods as long as you wear braces.
Call Carter & Higgins Orthodontics if You Have an Orthodontic Emergency
As rare as they may be, orthodontic emergencies can be scary. Most orthodontic problems can be resolved at home. But for those issues you can’t solve on your own, you can use the tips above to at least temporarily relieve any discomfort. Contact Carter & Higgins Orthodontics if you are in the Tulsa, OK, area. We will take care of your problem and show you how to handle it at home when possible. If you’re unsure what to do, feel free to call us. We’re here to give our patients smiles that they’re proud to show off — and we will talk you through any orthodontic emergency.
