Orthodontic Emergency Care

At Advanced Orthodontics in Burien, WA, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar understands that orthodontic emergencies can happen unexpectedly. While most braces and Invisalign® issues are minor, knowing how to respond can help prevent discomfort and protect your treatment progress until we are able to see you.

Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two main categories: dental injuries and broken orthodontic appliances.

Dental Injuries During Orthodontic Treatment

If you experience a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether you are wearing braces or not, apply ice immediately to reduce swelling and contact your general dentist as soon as possible. Dental trauma, such as a displaced, fractured, or knocked-out tooth requires urgent evaluation and possibly X-rays to determine the extent of damage.

Because general dentists are equipped with the appropriate anesthesia and materials to manage dental trauma, it is important to contact them first. After the injury has been evaluated, please notify our office so we can assess and adjust any orthodontic appliances if necessary.

Broken Braces, Loose Brackets & Poking Wires

Occasionally, braces or orthodontic appliances may loosen, bend, or break. Common issues include:

• Loose brackets or bands
• Broken archwires
• Poking or irritating wires

If you are not in pain, please call our office during regular patient hours to schedule a repair appointment. We are unable to accommodate walk-in emergencies, as we want to provide adequate time for proper repairs.

In the meantime, you may use orthodontic wax (or sugar-free gum) to cover irritating wires. A loose bracket can usually remain in place until your appointment. If a wire is poking, you may gently push it back using a pencil eraser or carefully trim it with clean nail clippers if necessary.

If you already have a scheduled adjustment, please call us to inform us of the issue so we can allocate enough time for repairs.

After-Hours Orthodontic Emergencies

If you experience significant pain or an urgent issue outside of office hours, please contact our office and follow the emergency prompts. A doctor or clinical team member will be notified to assist you.

Your comfort and treatment progress are important to us. If you have questions about braces or orthodontic emergencies in Burien, WA, Advanced Orthodontics is here to help.