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At OASECT, your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities, even when the unexpected happens.

Orthodontic emergencies can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and sometimes alarming. Knowing you have a trusted team ready to help can make all the difference! With over 65 years of experience and a 24/7 on-call team, we’re proud to offer prompt, compassionate emergency orthodontic care that keeps your smile on track.

Connecticut orthodontist Dr. James O’Leary, performing braces maintenance on a patient

What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?

True orthodontic emergencies include issues like severe pain, significant trauma to the mouth or face, signs of infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face. These situations require immediate attention and should never be ignored.

Most Orthodontic Issues Can Be Resolved at Home

Fortunately, most orthodontic concerns are minor and don’t require an immediate visit. If you contact our office during business hours, we’re happy to help you determine if a visit is necessary. While we are on-call 24/7 for traumatic emergencies, please do not use our emergency line to cancel appointments or for other non-emergency issues. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to fix the following issues at home without needing to schedule an emergency visit:

General Tooth Pain or Loosening

Mild soreness is normal, especially after an adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft food diet usually ease discomfort. If a tooth feels loose, don’t worry; it’s a normal part of the process as your teeth shift into position.

If a bracket or wire becomes loose or detached, it’s typically not an urgent issue. Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp areas and call us to schedule a repair. We’ll get you back on track quickly and comfortably.

Poking wires or out-of-place brackets can irritate your cheeks and gums, but this isn’t an urgent issue. Orthodontic wax can offer relief until we can adjust it for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment at your convenience; we typically recommend being seen within 7 days of the issue.

If a separator falls out, it’s usually not an emergency. Give us a call, and we’ll advise whether it needs to be replaced before your next visit.

If your headgear becomes bent or no longer fits properly, stop wearing it and contact our office. For your safety and treatment progress, it’s best not to attempt to adjust it yourself.

A broken or lost retainer should be addressed quickly, but it’s not an emergency matter. You should contact us on the next business day to schedule an appointment, so we can get a replacement made as quickly as possible to protect your results.

Stuck food can cause pressure or discomfort. Gently use floss, a toothbrush, or an interdental brush to remove the debris. If pain persists, call us for guidance.

Woman with braces having the back of her teeth examined with a small dental mirror

Preventing an Orthodontic Emergency Is Easy!

The best way to avoid emergency visits is to take great care of your braces or aligners. By following your orthodontist’s instructions, you can protect your progress and prevent discomfort between visits.

Close up of the mouth of a woman with clear braces biting into a bright red cherry

Follow Eating instructions

Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage braces or wires. Avoid these and stick to brace-friendly foods that won’t compromise your treatment.

Woman with bright pink braces and pink lipstick flossing her brackets

Follow Dental and Braces Care Instructions

Brush and floss carefully around brackets and wires to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Excellent oral hygiene helps prevent complications during treatment.

Child Outdoors Playing Sports Wearing Protective Mouth Guard

Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sport

Protect your braces and smile by wearing a custom-fit mouthguard during contact sports. OASECT offers free mouthguards to patients starting treatment.

Get Emergency Care When You Need It at OASECT

Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you. At OASECT, we have someone on call 24/7, every day of the year, to help resolve traumatic facial injuries or other orthodontic emergencies that are causing severe pain. With decades of experience, advanced technology, and compassionate care, we’re proud to be our community’s source for emergency orthodontic care

If you’re facing an urgent issue, call our Waterford or Norwich office and let our team help restore your comfort and confidence.