Orthodontic Emergency Care in Bristol, Rocky Hill & Waterbury, CT
True orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but when one occurs, Mbraces is here for you. Our team serves patients across Bristol, Rocky Hill, and Waterbury, CT, and we make every effort to see patients experiencing significant discomfort or appliance problems as quickly as possible. In many cases, you will be able to manage minor issues yourself at home until your next scheduled appointment — and this page will walk you through exactly how to do that.
When to Call Our Office
As a general guideline, contact Mbraces when you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent pain that is not relieved by rinsing or over-the-counter medication
- A bracket, band, or wire that is loose, broken, or completely detached
- A wire that is poking into your cheek, tongue, or gum and cannot be addressed with wax
- A loose or damaged retainer or other appliance
- A tooth that feels excessively loose or has been knocked loose by an injury
- Any trauma to the face or mouth that may have affected your braces or teeth
Do not wait until your regularly scheduled appointment if any of these issues arise — call us as soon as possible so we can assess the situation and get you scheduled for a repair. Leaving damaged appliances unaddressed for extended periods can disrupt your treatment plan and add time to your overall care.
Call our Bristol office at (860) 589-3316, our Rocky Hill office at (860) 563-6563, or our Waterbury office at (203) 754-7822.
Managing a Loose or Poking Wire
Wires can occasionally slide to one side or work their way out of position. If a wire has shifted and is poking your cheek or lip, you can try to gently push it back into place using the blunt end of a pencil eraser or the back of a clean spoon. Work slowly and carefully — do not force the wire. If the wire cannot be repositioned and is causing irritation, place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the sharp end to protect the soft tissue until you can come in for a repair.
If a wire has slid completely to one side, you can use clean needle-nose pliers to carefully reposition it back into the tube on the back molar. If you are not comfortable attempting this yourself, our team is always happy to help — call any of our offices.
Managing a Loose or Detached Bracket
If a bracket becomes loose or comes off entirely, do not panic. A loose bracket is usually not an emergency, but it does need to be repaired promptly to keep your treatment on schedule. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, you can leave it in place and cover it with wax for comfort. If it comes off completely, save it in a small plastic bag or envelope and bring it to your repair appointment. Do not attempt to re-glue a bracket at home.
General Soreness After Adjustments
It is completely normal to experience some general soreness in your mouth and jaw in the days following an adjustment appointment. Teeth may also feel tender to biting pressure for three to five days. During this time, stick to a soft diet and avoid foods that require significant chewing pressure.
To relieve soreness, rinse your mouth vigorously with a warm salt-water solution: dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish for 30 to 60 seconds. A fluoride rinse such as the Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist is a gentler alternative. Orabase, available at most pharmacies, can also be applied directly to sore spots for localized relief.
If soreness is more severe, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the recommended pain reliever during orthodontic treatment. Avoid ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), aspirin, and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) — these medications can slow tooth movement and are not recommended during active treatment.
Lip, Cheek, and Tongue Irritation
It is common for the lips, cheeks, and tongue to feel irritated for one to two weeks after braces are first placed or after a new appliance is added. The soft tissues need time to toughen and adapt to the new surfaces. Orthodontic wax placed over irritating brackets or wires provides immediate relief. Our team is always happy to provide additional wax — just ask at your next visit or call any of our offices.
For more information on daily care during treatment, visit our Life With Braces page or our Brushing and Flossing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions — Orthodontic Emergency Care
Is a loose bracket an orthodontic emergency?
A loose bracket is not typically a true emergency but should be addressed promptly. Contact our office to schedule a repair appointment. In the meantime, cover the bracket with orthodontic wax if it is causing irritation. If the bracket has come off entirely, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
What should I do if a wire is poking me?
Use the blunt end of a pencil eraser to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position. If the wire cannot be repositioned, place orthodontic wax over the sharp end to protect your cheek or gum until you can come in. Call our office so we can get you scheduled for a repair as soon as possible.
Can I take ibuprofen for orthodontic pain?
We recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) for managing soreness during orthodontic treatment. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium can actually inhibit tooth movement and should be avoided during active treatment whenever possible.
What should I do if my retainer breaks or gets lost?
Contact our office right away. A broken or lost retainer should be replaced as quickly as possible to prevent teeth from shifting. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment — teeth can begin to move within just a few days without retainer support.
My child was hit in the mouth during sports. What should I do?
Check the mouth and appliance carefully for damage. Look for loose teeth, broken brackets, bent wires, or soft tissue injury. Contact our office right away to describe the situation — we will advise on whether you need to be seen immediately or can be scheduled for a repair appointment. Rinse with warm salt water to relieve any immediate discomfort.
How do I know if I am experiencing a true orthodontic emergency?
A true emergency involves severe pain that cannot be managed at home, significant trauma to the teeth or jaw, or a situation where a loose piece of the appliance poses a risk of swallowing or choking. For any of these situations, contact our office or seek emergency dental care immediately. For discomfort that can be managed with wax or salt water, call us during business hours to schedule a repair.
What is the Healthy Gums Rinse and where can I get it?
The Healthy Gums Rinse by The Natural Dentist is a gentler-tasting alternative to salt water for relieving gum irritation and soreness. It is available at many pharmacies and natural food stores. It is a good option for patients who find the taste of salt-water rinses unpleasant.