Orthodontic Emergencies in San Antonio, TX

Generally, no, provided you seek help quickly. Promptly repairing a broken bracket or wire ensures the constant, gentle pressure needed to move your teeth is maintained. If you ignore a broken appliance for weeks, the affected teeth may drift back to their original positions, which could extend your total treatment time.

If a bracket becomes detached but is still on the wire:

1. Assess: Check if the bracket is irritating the cheek.
2. Reposition: Use sterilized tweezers to gently slide the bracket along the wire until it is centered between two teeth or back in its original spot.‍
3. Stabilize: Apply a small pea-sized ball of orthodontic wax over the bracket to hold it in place and prevent irritation.‍
4. Call Us: Even if it isn't hurting, the bracket needs to be professionally re-bonded to keep the treatment moving forward.

You can often provide temporary relief at home using household items:

• Poking Wires: Use the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth or tuck it behind the archwire.

• The Last Resort: If the wire is causing severe pain and cannot be moved, you may carefully trim it using sterilized nail clippers. Place a piece of gauze or a tissue behind the wire to catch the piece so it isn't swallowed.

It is helpful to distinguish between a "true emergency" and a "minor urgency."

• True Emergencies: Severe trauma to the mouth or face, intense bleeding, swelling that may indicate infection, or swallowing/inhaling a piece of your appliance. These require immediate attention at an emergency room or our office.

• Urgent Issues: These are more common and include things like a loose bracket, a wire poking your cheek, or a broken retainer. While they cause discomfort, they can usually be managed at home for a short period until we can see you.