Orthodontic Emergencies

Braces Related – Emergency Dental Care in Kitchener

Orthodontic treatment is a journey toward a straighter, healthier smile but sometimes the appliances themselves can cause unexpected problems. A broken bracket, a poking wire, or a lost retainer may not sound as urgent as a toothache, but left unaddressed, these issues can derail treatment progress and cause significant discomfort.

At MI Dental, we provide same-day emergency care for orthodontic problems, helping patients stay on track with treatment while relieving pain and irritation.

1. Broken Brackets – When Braces Lose Their Grip

Brackets are the small metal or ceramic squares bonded to each tooth. They guide wires and elastics in moving teeth. When a bracket breaks or detaches, it disrupts the mechanics of tooth movement.

Common Causes:

• Biting hard foods (nuts, popcorn kernels, candy)
• Trauma during sports or accidents
• Loosening due to poor bonding or frequent stress on the tooth

What You Might Notice:

• A bracket sliding along the wire
• Sharp edges irritating cheeks or lips
• A tooth that no longer feels engaged in the appliance

What to Do at Home:

• If it’s still attached to the wire, cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax.
• Avoid trying to remove it yourself.
• Call us promptly for repair.

Treatment at MI Dental:
We rebond or replace the bracket, ensuring the wire and tooth alignment are back on track. Prompt repair prevents delays in treatment.

2. Poking or Loose Wires – The Classic Orthodontic Irritation

Perhaps the most common orthodontic emergency, a loose or poking wire can quickly make eating and speaking uncomfortable.

Symptoms:

• A wire digging into the cheek, tongue, or gums
• A wire that shifts out of the last bracket slot
• Irritation, swelling, or small ulcers in the mouth

Temporary Relief at Home:

• Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end.
• If the wire is very long and uncomfortable, sterilized nail clippers can be used to carefully snip the end (only if absolutely necessary).
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritated tissue.

Treatment at MI Dental:
We reposition or trim the wire, check for proper alignment, and resecure the appliance.

Why It’s Important:
Ignoring a poking wire can lead to persistent ulcers, infections, or loss of progress in tooth movement.

3. Lost or Broken Retainers & Aligners

Retainers and aligners are critical for maintaining or progressing orthodontic results. Losing or breaking one can quickly reverse progress.

For Retainers:

• If broken, avoid wearing sharp or ill-fitting pieces.
• Store safely and bring to your appointment.
• Replacement is usually necessary to prevent relapse.

For Aligners (Invisalign or others):

• If lost, wear the previous aligner until a replacement is made.
• If broken, contact us immediately for a new one.
• Skipping aligners can delay treatment and cause teeth to shift unpredictably.

Treatment at MI Dental:
We evaluate tooth movement, order replacement aligners, or fabricate a new retainer as quickly as possible.

4. General Discomfort – Normal vs. Emergency

Not all discomfort with orthodontics is an emergency. Some soreness after adjustments is expected and typically resolves within a few days.

Normal Discomfort:

• Mild soreness after wire adjustments or new aligners
• Temporary difficulty chewing
• Sensitivity relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers

Emergency Discomfort:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Appliances cutting into cheeks or tongue
• Ulcers that don’t improve with wax or rinses

What We Do at MI Dental:

• Provide palliative care with smoothing, adjustments, or protective wax
• Prescribe soothing gels or rinses for ulcers
• Reassure patients about what’s normal and what requires intervention

When in Doubt:
If pain or appliance problems interfere with eating, speaking, or sleeping, it’s time to call us.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment comes with its share of small challenges, but emergencies don’t have to derail your progress. Whether it’s a broken bracket, a poking wire, or a lost aligner, timely care keeps treatment on track and prevents unnecessary pain. At MI Dental, we make orthodontic emergency care quick, comfortable, and effective—so you can focus on achieving the smile you’ve been waiting for.