Something broke? Call us.

What to do right now

Poking wire

Push it flat with the eraser end of a pencil, or cover the end with a small piece of orthodontic wax. If it's really long, you can carefully clip it with clean nail clippers. Then call us to get it trimmed properly.

Loose or broken bracket

If it's still on the wire, leave it and cover it with wax if it's rubbing. If it comes off completely, save it and bring it in. Call us for a quick appointment to re-bond it so treatment stays on schedule.

Lost or broken retainer

Call as soon as you can. Teeth start shifting fast without a retainer, and a quick replacement is a lot easier than re-treatment. More on retainers.

Lost or cracked aligner

Move to your next set if you're within a few days of switching anyway, and wear your previous set if you're not. Call us and we'll tell you which is right for your stage.

General soreness

Normal for a few days after braces go on or after an adjustment. Soft foods, cold water, and an over-the-counter pain reliever do the trick. It's not an emergency, but if it lasts longer than a week, give us a call.

A real emergency

If you've had an injury to the face or mouth, a tooth is knocked loose or out, or there's serious swelling or bleeding, go to urgent care or the ER first. Then call us so we can check your appliances.

Why local matters

This is the part nobody thinks about when choosing where to get braces. Over 12 to 24 months of treatment, something will come loose. When it does, you want an office a short drive away with late hours, not a bridge crossing and a day off work. All three Smile 4 Less offices handle emergency visits for our patients.

Step-by-step help in our Living With Braces guide →