Our Calgary orthodontists share tips on how to manage unexpected orthodontic issues while our office is closed, with step-by-step video guides for temporary solutions.
What is an orthodontic emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are unexpected issues that may arise with braces, wires, or retainers while undergoing treatment. While these are rarely serious, they can be uncomfortable, frustrating, or even a little scary — especially if they happen while you're away from home or the office is temporarily closed.
That is why we have created this quick guide to help you stay calm, act quickly, and get temporary relief until we are back in the clinic.
Common orthodontic issues and how to handle them
Loose brackets
Brackets can loosen if you eat hard or sticky foods. If one of your brackets comes loose, try to keep it in place using orthodontic wax. This helps avoid irritation to the inside of your mouth and prevents further damage.
▶️ Watch this video on how to manage a loose bracket
Poking wires
A poking wire can feel sharp and uncomfortable against the inside of your cheek. If you have orthodontic wax, use it to cover the wire tip. If the wire is long enough and you are confident doing so, you can carefully trim it with clean nail clippers.
▶️ Watch this video for steps to manage a poking wire
Lost or broken retainer
If your retainer is lost or broken, do not attempt to wear or fix it yourself. Contact our team once the office reopens so we can assess and provide a new one if needed.
▶️ Watch what to do if your retainer breaks or gets lost
General soreness or discomfort
It is normal to feel some discomfort after an adjustment or during treatment. If soreness occurs, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol if needed. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing anything hard or crunchy.
▶️ Watch how to manage orthodontic discomfort
What to avoid during an emergency
Do not try to reposition wires or brackets forcefully. Avoid eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods that could make the problem worse. If you are not sure what to do, leave us a message or send an email and we will follow up as soon as the clinic reopens.
Our commitment to your care
At myORTHODONTIST, we are committed to making sure you feel supported, even while we are away. These video guides are designed to give you peace of mind and confidence when handling minor issues on your own.
We recommend bookmarking this blog post so you can access it quickly if anything unexpected comes up while the office is closed.
We are here to help, and we will be back in clinic soon. Thank you for your patience and trust in our care.