Emergency Care in Bellevue

Managing Common Orthodontic Problems at Home

Many minor orthodontic issues can be handled at home until you can visit our office, and we always make appointments available when you need one. Here are a few things you can do to help us repair your braces quickly:

• If a wire comes off, place it in a bag and bring it to our office.
• If something is irritating your gums or cheeks, place soft orthodontic wax over the part of your braces that is sticking out.
• If a wire has shifted, you may be able to carefully move it back into place with tweezers or needle-nose pliers.

Whether or not you can fix the problem yourself, it is important to let us know what happened. We may need to examine your braces and make repairs so they continue working as they should and your treatment stays on schedule.

Loose Brackets

If you have a loose bracket, leave it in place as best you can. Cover it with wax so it does not irritate your gums until you can be seen. If the bracket comes off completely, place it in a bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next visit. We need to see exactly what came off in order to fix the problem.

Loose or Poking Wires

If you have a loose wire, you may be able to use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to gently guide it back into place. If needed, you can use dental floss to tie the wire in position until you can come into our office. If a wire is poking and cannot be moved, cover the end with wax and call us.

MARA Appliance Concerns

Please do not play with your MARA appliance or try to remove it in any way. If any part of the MARA comes loose, call our office immediately. Save the elbow or any other parts that come loose and bring them with you so we can repair your appliance.

Soreness and Irritation

It is normal to feel some tenderness after braces are placed or adjusted. Rinsing with warm salt water can soothe irritated tissues. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth. Orthodontic wax can also help your mouth adjust to the feel of new braces, and it is useful any time a loose appliance causes discomfort until we can fix it.

When to Call Right Away

Call our office promptly if you experience severe pain, swelling, a broken appliance, or an injury to your mouth or face. If you suffer a serious injury or bleeding that will not stop, seek emergency medical care first, then contact us.

Wearing a mouthguard during sports and avoiding hard or sticky foods can help prevent many emergencies. Learn more about clear braces, Invisalign® aligner care, and retainer care, or visit our orthodontic FAQs. For help with an orthodontic problem, call (425) 746-7126.

Request an Appointment

Orthodontic Emergency FAQs