Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do First

If you experience a braces emergency or orthodontic discomfort—such as a loose bracket, poking wire, or irritated cheeks—our team at Brayces Orthodontics is here to help. While most issues are not true medical emergencies, they do require prompt attention to keep treatment on track and you comfortable. Please call your nearest Brayces location during patient hours to schedule a visit; for everyone’s convenience, we’re unable to accommodate walk-ins. Serving Somers Point, Absecon, Marmora, Wildwood, and Egg Harbor Township, we provide same-week solutions whenever possible to protect your smile, appliances, and timeline.

Appliance-Related Issues (Brackets, Wires, Elastics)

Orthodontic appliances can occasionally bend or loosen during treatment. If a tie wire is irritating your mouth, place orthodontic wax over the spot or gently tuck the edge beneath the archwire with a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab. A loose band or bracket can typically remain in place until we see you—call us during office hours to schedule a repair so we can reattach or replace components as needed. For a broken or poking archwire, you may carefully nudge it flat with an eraser or trim the protruding tip with clean nail clippers, then cover with wax for comfort. These temporary home fixes are not a substitute for care—please contact Brayces so we can ensure your braces or Invisalign® attachments are functioning correctly and your treatment remains efficient.