Orthodontic treatment is designed to transform your smile—but along the way, it’s normal to experience a few bumps in the road. The good news? Most orthodontic “emergencies” aren’t emergencies at all. With a little guidance, many issues can be handled at home until you’re able to visit our office.
At Holt Orthodontics, we want you to feel confident knowing what’s normal, what’s manageable, and when it’s time to give us a call. Below, we break down the most common orthodontic concerns and how to handle them.
What’s Normal During Orthodontic Treatment
1. Mild Soreness After Adjustments
After braces are tightened or you switch to a new aligner, it’s completely normal for your teeth to feel tender for a few days.
What to do:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Soft foods
- Warm saltwater rinses
This discomfort typically fades quickly and doesn’t need an office visit.
2. Slight Irritation Inside the Mouth
New braces can sometimes rub against your cheeks or lips.
What to do:
- Apply orthodontic wax to brackets or wires
- Use warm saltwater rinses
- Let your mouth adjust over a few days
This is a normal part of the initial adjustment period.
Common Issues & How to Handle Them
1. Poking Wires
As teeth shift, wires can occasionally move and poke the cheeks or gums.
Try this at home:
- Gently push the wire back down with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser
- Cover it with orthodontic wax to ease discomfort
Call us if:
The wire is causing persistent irritation or you can’t manage it at home.
2. Loose Brackets or Bands
A bracket may come loose if it’s bumped, or if you eat something sticky or hard.
What to do:
- If it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover with wax
- If it’s completely loose, keep it in a safe place to bring to your appointment
Call us if:
The bracket is spinning, hanging, or causing discomfort. We’ll schedule a repair.
3. Broken or Lost Rubber Bands (Ligatures)
Rubber bands or ties occasionally pop off.
What to do:
- If you still have the elastic and feel comfortable, you may put it back
- Otherwise, it’s usually fine to wait until your next appointment
Call us if:
Multiple ligatures come off or the wire feels unstable.
4. Lost or Cracked Aligners
For aligner patients, losing or damaging a tray is more common than you might think.
What to do:
- If the aligner is cracked but still fits snugly, keep wearing it
- If the aligner is lost, go back to the previous one until we advise otherwise
Call us if:
The tray is too damaged to wear or you’ve lost it completely. We’ll help you decide whether to move forward or reorder.
5. Loose or Lost Retainers
Retainers help keep your beautiful smile in place—so a damaged or misplaced one should be addressed quickly.
Call us as soon as possible so we can replace it and prevent shifting.
When You Should Contact Holt Orthodontics Immediately
While most issues can wait until normal business hours, call us right away if your child experiences:
- Significant pain that doesn’t improve
- A wire or appliance that’s cutting the mouth
- Swelling or signs of infection
- A loose appliance that interferes with eating or speaking
- An injury to the mouth, teeth, or face
Your comfort and safety are our top priority. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to check in.
Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies
A few simple habits can reduce the chances of problems:
- Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods
- Wear a mouthguard for sports
- Follow your aligner or braces care instructions
- Keep up with scheduled appointments
- Maintain good oral hygiene
These steps help keep treatment on track and your smile healthy.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Orthodontic treatment is a journey—and you’re not on it alone. Whether you’re dealing with a poking wire or a misplaced aligner, the team at Holt Orthodontics is always here to help.
Have a concern? Give us a call.
We’ll walk you through a solution or schedule a time for you to come in.
Your comfort matters, and together, we’ll keep your smile moving in the right direction!
