Braces are an investment in a beautiful, healthy smile, but accidents can happen. A broken bracket, a loose wire, or a missing elastic can be uncomfortable and even delay treatment if not handled properly. If you or your child experience an issue with braces, knowing what to do can prevent pain, protect your progress, and ensure you get the necessary care as soon as possible.

In this guide, we will walk you through the most common braces emergencies, what to do at home, and when to seek professional help. Plus, if you need expert orthodontic care, McDonald Orthodontics in Salem, OR, is here to assist you!

Common Braces Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Braces are made of sturdy materials, but they can still break or become dislodged due to eating hard foods, playing sports, or even normal wear and tear. Here are some of the most frequent issues and what you should do:

1. Loose or Broken Bracket

What happened? A bracket is the small metal or ceramic piece attached to your tooth that holds the wire in place. If it becomes loose or breaks, it is usually due to eating something too hard or sticky or an impact to the mouth.

What to do:

• If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and avoid touching it.
• Use orthodontic wax to keep it from irritating your gums or cheeks.
• If the bracket has completely come off, keep it safe and bring it to your orthodontist.
• Call McDonald Orthodontics to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.

2. Poking or Loose Wire

What happened? Braces wires can shift over time or if something pushes against them, causing them to poke into your cheeks or gums.

What to do:

• Try using a cotton swab or eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position.
• Apply orthodontic wax over the sharp area to reduce irritation.
• If the discomfort is severe and you cannot push the wire back, use small nail clippers or sterilized scissors to carefully snip off the poking end.
• Contact your orthodontist for further adjustments.

3. Loose Bands or Spacers

What happened? Metal bands that wrap around your molars or rubber spacers that create space between teeth can sometimes become loose.

What to do:

• If a spacer falls out, contact your orthodontist immediately to see if it needs to be replaced.
• If a metal band is loose but still attached, leave it in place and avoid eating hard foods.
• If the band completely comes off, save it and bring it to your orthodontic appointment.

4. Broken or Missing Rubber Bands (Elastics)

What happened? Elastics help align your bite, and losing or breaking one can slow down progress.

What to do:

• If you are unsure how to replace the elastic, check with your orthodontist for guidance.
• Avoid trying to use non-orthodontic materials as a replacement.
• Keep extra rubber bands on hand in case this happens.

5. Mouth Sores or Irritation

What happened? New braces or adjustments can cause irritation to the inside of your mouth, leading to sore spots or ulcers.

What to do:

• Use orthodontic wax over brackets or wires that are causing discomfort.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe irritation.
• Over-the-counter oral numbing gels can provide temporary relief.
• If the irritation persists, call your orthodontist for advice.

6. Swallowed or Ingested Braces Piece

What happened? Though rare, it is possible for a loose bracket or wire to be accidentally swallowed.

What to do:

• Stay calm. Most small pieces will pass through the digestive system without harm.
• If you experience breathing difficulty or choking, seek immediate medical help.
• Call your orthodontist to discuss what needs to be replaced.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some issues can be managed at home temporarily, but others require immediate professional attention. Contact McDonald Orthodontics in the following situations:

• Severe pain that does not improve with at-home remedies.
• A wire or bracket causing significant bleeding or deep cuts.
• A loose or broken appliance affecting your ability to eat or talk.
• A missing or detached piece that needs replacement.

Preventing Braces Emergencies

While some mishaps are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your braces:

• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. This includes popcorn, nuts, caramel, and gum.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. This helps protect your braces from impact injuries.
• Practice proper oral hygiene. Keeping your teeth and braces clean prevents infections and complications.
• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions. This includes wearing elastics as directed and attending scheduled check-ups.

Need Emergency Orthodontic Care? Contact McDonald Orthodontics in Salem, OR

A braces emergency can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether it’s a broken bracket, poking wire, or any other issue, McDonald Orthodontics is here to provide expert care and get your treatment back on track.

Don’t wait—contact McDonald Orthodontics in Salem, OR, today for emergency orthodontic care! Our team is ready to help you with same-day appointments and quick solutions to ensure your smile stays on course.