When you’re in orthodontic treatment, unexpected issues can happen—wires can poke, brackets can break, and clear aligners can get misplaced. At Rittenhouse Orthodontics in Philadelphia, Dr. Jordyn Middleberg and her team are here to help you handle orthodontic emergencies with confidence and ease.
What Constitutes a True Orthodontic Emergency?
Not every mishap with braces or Invisalign is a true emergency. True orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare but require prompt attention. These may include:
- Severe pain that can’t be managed with over-the-counter remedies
- Swelling or infection in your mouth, face, or jaw
- A traumatic injury that causes teeth to loosen or be knocked out
- A broken appliance causing bleeding or deep cuts to your gums, cheeks, or tongue
If you experience any of these, call our office right away or seek emergency help. For less severe issues, such as mild discomfort or a loose bracket, we can often provide instructions for temporary relief over the phone until your next appointment.
Home Remedies for Minor Issues
While you should always contact our office if something feels off, some problems can be managed at home until you’re seen:
- Poking wire: Use orthodontic wax to cover the end and prevent irritation.
- Loose bracket: Keep it in place with wax and avoid eating hard or sticky foods until your visit.
- Lost aligner: Wear your previous set until we provide a replacement.
- Minor soreness: Rinse with warm salt water or take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Irritation spots: Use a cotton swab to apply orthodontic wax over rough areas.
These temporary fixes can keep you comfortable and prevent further damage while you wait for your appointment.
Taking Care of Your Braces
Preventing emergencies starts with strong, consistent care. The Rittenhouse Orthodontic team recommends:
- Brushing after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Flossing daily using floss threaders or water flossers
- Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage appliances
- Wearing protective mouthguards during sports
- Checking your braces daily for loose wires or brackets
- Following your treatment plan closely to stay on schedule
Regular visits with our team allow us to catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones. By maintaining good hygiene and knowing how to respond when something goes wrong, you can handle orthodontic emergencies like a pro—and keep your smile right on track.
Orthodontic Emergencies: Frequently Asked Questions
Remember: Even if the problem seems small, it’s always better to call and ask. Your Rittenhouse Orthodontics team is there to help and may be able to give you a quick fix or see you sooner if needed! Here are some additional answers that might help guide you if you encounter any damage:
Q: What should I do if I swallow a piece of my braces?
As far as orthodontic emergencies go, this is considered a potentially serious one depending on the circumstances. It’s rare, but occasionally a bracket or wire might come loose and be accidentally swallowed. If you believe you swallowed a small piece:
- Stay calm—most small parts will pass naturally through your digestive system.
- Contact our office to discuss with Dr. Jordyn about what happened and determine if anything needs replacing.
- If you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, or feel the piece may have been inhaled instead of swallowed, seek medical attention right away.
Q: What if my retainer or aligner cracks or breaks?
Cracked or broken retainers and clear aligners can affect your treatment or cause discomfort. If this happens:
- Stop using the damaged appliance to avoid injury.
- Store it in its case and call us to determine next steps.
- In some cases, a replacement may be needed, or Dr. Jordyn may advise using your previous or next aligner temporarily.
Avoid trying to glue or fix it yourself—this can make the damage worse and isn’t safe for your mouth.
Q: What should I do if a wire is poking my cheek or gums?
If a wire is sticking out and irritating your mouth, try gently pushing it back into place using the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab. You can also apply orthodontic wax to cover the area and protect your cheek or tongue. If the discomfort continues or the wire won’t stay put, contact your orthodontist for guidance or an in-office fix.
Q: What if a bracket comes loose or breaks?
A loose bracket is not always an emergency, but it should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid treatment delays. If it’s still attached to the wire and not causing discomfort, leave it in place and call your orthodontist. If it comes off completely, save the piece and bring it to your next appointment. Use wax if it causes irritation.
Visit Rittenhouse Orthodontics for Top-Tier Care
If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency or want to prevent one, our friendly team at Rittenhouse Orthodontics is here to help. Dr. Jordyn Middleberg combines expertise, compassion, and modern techniques to keep your treatment comfortable and effective at her new practice.
Whether you need urgent assistance, a routine adjustment, or guidance on home care, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Call or visit our Philadelphia office to get the personalized attention your smile deserves!