Orthodontic & Braces Emergencies

Know what’s normal - and when to call us
Simple advice for common braces & aligner issues
Reassurance and support throughout your treatment
Clear steps to stay comfortable and protected

Call 01865 202705

For many of our patients, orthodontic treatment is a completely new experience, whether you’re wearing fixed braces, removable aligners or retainers. And while we do everything we can to support you throughout your journey, it’s very common for minor issues with your appliance to arise at some point.

Something may feel uncomfortable, a small part may loosen or break, or you might notice a change that doesn’t feel quite right. This is completely normal and is something most patients experience at least once during their treatment, even when they follow all the care instructions carefully.

We’ll always give you clear guidance on how to look after your braces or aligners to keep problems to a minimum. But if an issue does occur, the most important thing to know is you’re not alone, and there’s a clear way to get it sorted.

So what should you do if you notice a problem with your orthodontic appliance during your treatment?

What is an Orthodontic Emergency?

Firstly, it’s helpful to understand what we class as a true orthodontic emergency. The British Orthodontic Society defines this as:

“Any situation causing significant pain, trauma, or risk to your oral health that cannot wait until the next scheduled appointment.”

Examples of a genuine orthodontic emergencies

Severe pain or swelling
Facial trauma involving braces or orthodontic appliances
A broken fixed wire causing bleeding or significant ulceration
A swallowed or inhaled piece of an orthodontic appliance

Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic issues are minor and do not require urgent attention. In most cases, they can be safely and temporarily managed at home until your next scheduled visit. Our aim is always to help you stay comfortable, reassured, and well-informed throughout your treatment.

5 Common Orthodontic & Braces Issues

Below are some of the most common issues we see with braces, along with simple steps you can take to stay comfortable.

Sore or uncomfortable teeth

It’s normal for teeth to feel sore, especially after adjustments or when starting new aligners.

Treatment:

Use paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you)
Stick to soft foods for a few days
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation

Loose or broken bracket

A loose bracket is rarely urgent unless it is causing pain.

Treatment:

Leave the bracket in place if it is still attached to the wire
Use orthodontic wax to prevent rubbing
Contact us to arrange a repair at your next visit

Poking or sharp wire

This is one of the most common concerns.

Treatment:

Cover the area with orthodontic wax
If safe to do so, gently push the wire away using a clean cotton bud or the eraser end of a pencil
Contact the practice if discomfort continues

Lost or broken aligner or retainer

Treatment:

Move back to your previous aligner if possible
Do not move ahead to the next aligner unless advised
Contact us for further guidance as soon as possible

Ulcers or rubbing

This is one of the most common concerns.

Treatment:

Apply orthodontic wax to the irritating area
Use salt water or antiseptic mouth rinses
Ulcers usually heal within a few days once the cause is protected

When should you contact the practice?

If you are unsure, uncomfortable, or worried — please get in touch. We’re always happy to advise you, even if it turns out no urgent treatment is needed.

During opening hours: contact the practice and our team will guide you
Send us a message or photo if requested — this often helps us advise you more quickly

What to do for orthodontic issues out of hours

For common orthodontic problems such as:

Mild pain or discomfort
A loose bracket or band
A poking wire
Lost or broken aligner or retainer

Please use the self-care advice above and contact the practice and leave a message OR when we reopen. These issues are uncomfortable but not dangerous and do not require A&E attendance.

Out-of-hours advice

Orthodontic problems rarely require urgent treatment outside normal surgery hours. Most issues can be managed safely at home until the practice reopens.

If you experience a problem out of hours, please follow the guidance on this page to keep yourself comfortable and protect your appliance until we can see you.

Please be aware we do not offer any specialist out of hours’ services.

Orthodontic Emergencies: Seeking urgent help?

Seek urgent help If you’re experiencing:

Severe facial swelling
Uncontrolled bleeding
Significant facial trauma
Difficulty breathing or swallowing

These situations are medical emergencies. You should:

Contact NHS 111 for urgent advice, or
Attend A&E if symptoms are severe or worsening, or
Call 999 in an emergency.

Real Stories, Real Smiles

"Accessible orthodontics were incredibly helpful as I decided on my Invisalign treatment. Nestor was very patient and understanding as I asked for certain things to be adjusted, as I carried on through my treatment. Everything is very specified to how you’d like your ending result to look like and is a really healing experience after disappointing results from previous treatment elsewhere. I can’t thank Nestor and his team more for everything they’ve done as I’ve completed my Invisalign treatment, the results are more than I could have hoped for, I really recommend it."

- Alicia Wright

"Never too old for a beautiful smile .... which is what I got. Super friendly staff and superb service. Do not hesitate - Nestor will sort your teeth."

- Suzanne Maxted

"The nurses and the orthodontist are both so supportive and great with both my young children. Cannot recommend them enough."

- Anaya Khan

"Accessible Orthodontics did a great job for us. Always kind and friendly, and their timescale for my daughter's treatment was spot on."

- Jim Blanshard

"Accessible Orthodontics Oxford provided an exceptionally positive experience from beginning to end. Their professionalism, informative approach, and friendly staff made the entire process enjoyable. I am particularly pleased with the final outcome, as my daughter now smiles with utmost confidence."

- Matty Thomas

"I was fitted in quickly and very happy with the product I received, but a special mention to the members of staff who were all lovely and made me feel at ease as someone who doesn't have the best history with dental settings. Can't recommend highly enough!"

- Erin

"Lovely orthodontist, Nestor has been fantastic both of my nieces have been receiving orthodontic treatment from him and one is complete and her smile is perfect and has given her a confidence boost. The team as a whole are kind, genuine and polite at all times and very accommodating will be recommending them to all in the future."

- Ella E

"Fantastic - really pleased with the results. So nice to be able to smile with confidence. Nester and the whole team are wonderful - always felt very well looked after. Exceptional and professional service from beginning to end."

- Sadie Sanderson

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