Troubleshooting & Emergencies

We're alway here to help

We can help troubleshoot any concerns you have.

There are very few true orthodontic emergencies, but we are always available to help you.

If you have a loose/broken appliance or are experiencing significant discomfort beyond routine orthodontic tenderness, please call us. We will do our best to fit you into the schedule for an appointment as soon as possible. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call to notify us that you need an appliance repaired as it may warrant additional time to your regularly scheduled appointment.

Fortunately, most orthodontic problems can be remedied at home. While you await your appointment, these guidelines will help you resolve minor problems. Please know that even if you alleviate the immediate discomfort, a repair appointment is still likely needed.

Sore Teeth/Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

Sore teeth are common right after you start with your aligners or braces and sometimes after you have an adjustment appointment. This soreness can last up to a few days. This is due to the orthodontic force applied to them.

To alleviate the pain, you may take acetaminophen or other over-the-counter relievers.

Missing an Attachment for Aligners

Attachments are tooth-colored bumps placed on teeth to help an aligner grip a tooth to move it more predictably. A missing attachment should not cause any discomfort. Although you are still able to wear your aligners without the attachment, the tooth may not move as we desire and replacement of the attachment may be warranted. If an attachment comes off of your tooth, please call our office the next business day to see if it needs replaced.

Loose Bracket

A loose or broken bracket is one that is no longer attached to the tooth. The bracket typically remains on the wire and presents little, if any, trouble. If an irritation does arise, standard orthodontic wax typically will do the trick until we can see you back in the office. If the furthest back bracket comes off, the wire may poke you. In this situation you may use fingernail clippers to trim the wire and alleviate discomfort.

In any case, if left for a long time, tooth movement is hindered and treatment may be prolonged. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.

Wire out of the furthest back brace

Light wires (as at the earliest stage of treatment) may be pulled out of the tube in back, potentially even due to everyday chewing. Again, typically not a great amount of trouble. You can try putting the wire back in place using tweezers. If that does not work, try putting wax over the wire where it is poking you. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire, you may use fingernail clippers. Cut the wire behind the last bracket in which it is secured. Please call our office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.

Lost Separator

If used, it is not uncommon to lose a separator, but it can occur. If you do lose one, please call our office to see what needs to be done.