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Having braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances can transform your smile—but sometimes things go wrong. When an orthodontic emergency strikes, knowing what to do (and what not to do) before your appointment can ease discomfort, prevent further damage, and help your orthodontist treat the issue more effectively.

At Liverpool Orthodontics, we aim to support our patients in all circumstances. Below is a guide to common orthodontic emergencies and steps you can take at home while arranging to see us.

What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?

Not all discomfort or minor irritation qualifies as an emergency. Here are some situations you should consider urgent:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • Loose or broken brackets or bands
  • Protruding wire causing ulcers or piercing soft tissue
  • Dislodged or broken appliance (e.g. a broken expander arm)
  • Loss or breakage of clear aligners mid-treatment (if no spare is available)
  • Accidental trauma to teeth with braces on
  • Loose tooth or shift in alignment outside expected progression If you experience any of these, act promptly.

First Steps to Take Before Your Appointment

  1. Stay Calm & Assess the Situation
    • Take a moment to locate exactly what’s wrong (a loose bracket? a poking wire?).
    • Check in a mirror under good light.
    • Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) to cleanse area.
  2. Relieve Discomfort
    • Use a cold compress (ice wrapped in cloth) on the cheek outside the sore area to reduce swelling.
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen) may be used according to instructions (unless contraindicated).
    • Avoid sticky, hard or chewy foods that might aggravate the problem.
  3. Secure or Stabilise Loose Parts
    • Loose bracket or band:
      • If still attached to the wire, you may leave it in place temporarily.
      • Use orthodontic wax (available from your orthodontist or chemist) to hold it temporarily in place or cover sharp edges.
    • Poking or protruding wire:
      • Use a sterile nail clipper or clean tweezers to clip the wire (only the segment sticking out) very carefully, if accessible.
      • Alternatively, bend it gently inward with the rounded end of a spoon.
      • Apply orthodontic wax over the end until you can see your orthodontist.
    • Lost or broken clear aligner:
      • If you have your previous aligner, switch back to it until your next scheduled one (but check with us first).
      • Otherwise, wear your current one and get in touch to arrange replacement.
    • Broken appliance (e.g. retainer arm):
      • If safe to do so, stabilise the broken piece with wax or gently remove and store it in a protective case until your visit.
  4. Avoid DIY Remedies That Could Make Things Worse
    • Do not use superglue or household adhesives.
    • Avoid cutting wires too short (leaving remnants).
    • Do **not remove healthy brackets or bands.
    • Refrain from pushing anything sharp into gums or soft tissue.

When to Contact Liverpool Orthodontics Immediately

If your discomfort is severe, swelling is significant, or a tooth feels loose (beyond expected movement), call us at 02 9601 7655 immediately to arrange an urgent appointment.

We treat orthodontic emergencies as a priority to restore function and comfort as soon as possible.

What We’ll Do at Your Appointment

When you arrive at Liverpool Orthodontics, we’ll:

  1. Examine the affected area thoroughly
  2. Take any necessary radiographs
  3. Repair or replace broken components (brackets, bands, wires)
  4. Adjust or rebalance any appliances
  5. Provide instructions and wax or spare parts for interim care
  6. Advise you how to avoid recurrence

You can also browse our treatment options in advance via our Orthodontic Appliances page or learn more about our full range of options (e.g. metal, ceramic, lingual braces, clear aligners) via Metal and Ceramic Braces, Lingual Braces, or Clear Aligners.

Tips to Minimise Risk of Emergencies

  • Attend all scheduled check-ups and adjustments
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods (e.g. popcorn, nuts, toffees)
  • Use protective mouthguards during sport
  • Clean teeth and appliances gently and thoroughly
  • Store spare aligners or orthodontic wax on hand

Orthodontic emergencies are inconvenient and sometimes painful—but many issues can be managed temporarily with care until you reach us. Following the steps above will help you preserve your treatment progress, prevent further damage, and reduce discomfort.

If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, please contact Liverpool Orthodontics at 02 9601 7655. We’re here to help and will prioritise urgent care.