Orthodontic Emergency: When to Seek Immediate Care and What to Do in the Meantime

A bracket that comes loose on a Sunday evening. A wire that starts poking your cheek during vacation. A ligature that mysteriously disappears. These situations may seem alarming, but rest assured: most orthodontic "emergencies" can wait a few days before being treated.

Here's how to distinguish a true emergency from simple discomfort, and most importantly, what to do while waiting for your appointment.

True Emergencies: When to Call Immediately

Certain situations require prompt consultation. Contact our office if you experience:

• Facial trauma with damage to teeth or orthodontic appliance
• Severe pain that prevents eating or sleeping
• Significant bleeding that won't stop
• An infection (swelling, fever, pus)
• A broken appliance that's causing injury to soft tissues and that you cannot secure

In these cases, call us at 514-484-3718 (Queen Mary) or 450-983-4233 (Rive-Nord). Outside business hours, our voicemail will guide you to appropriate resources. You can also email orthodrbenguira@gmail.com to report your emergency with a phone number and we will contact you.

Situations You Can Manage at Home

Good news: most orthodontic incidents can be temporarily managed at home.

Loose Bracket or Band

A loose bracket is generally not an emergency. If the bracket remains attached to the wire but moves, apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. If it has completely detached, keep it safe and bring it to your next appointment.

Important: Never pull on the wire or bracket. Schedule an appointment within the following days, as a missing bracket can extend your treatment time.

Poking or Protruding Wire

This is one of the most common discomforts. Here's how to find relief:

1. Quick solution: Apply a ball of orthodontic wax to the end of the wire that's irritating
2. If wax isn't enough: Use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire toward the tooth
3. As a last resort: You can cut the end of the wire with a disinfected nail clipper (only if the wire is thin)

Lost or Displaced Ligature

The small elastics or thin wires that hold the archwire in the brackets can sometimes come loose. If the archwire stays in place, it's not urgent. Use disinfected tweezers to remove the ligature if it's bothering you, and schedule an appointment to have it replaced.

Loose Retainer Wire

Has your retainer wire (the one that keeps your teeth in place after treatment) partially come loose? This situation requires attention within 1 to 2 weeks. Teeth can shift quickly without retention. In the meantime, don't pull on the wire or tear it off, and wear your clear retainer over the wire to secure your teeth position and protect your tongue. Apply wax if needed.

Your Orthodontic Emergency Kit

Always keep on hand:

• Orthodontic wax (provided by our office)
• Small mirror
• Tweezers
• Nail clipper (for extreme cases)
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Antiseptic mouthwash

Prevention: Avoiding Incidents

The best emergency is one that doesn't happen. To protect your appliance:

• Avoid hard and sticky foods (nuts, caramel, popcorn)
• Wear a mouthguard during sports activities
• Don't chew on pens or your nails
• Cut your food into small pieces

Summary

Have a question or concern? Don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to reassure and guide you. In case of a true emergency, we'll do everything possible to see you quickly.

📞 Queen Mary (Montreal): 514-484-3718
📞 Rive-Nord (St-Eustache): 450-983-4233
🌐 www.monorthodontiste.org