Easy Fixes for Orthodontic Emergencies

First things first: stay calm! While actual orthodontic emergencies are super rare, we know that a poking wire can feel like a big deal when it’s happening to you. Most of the time, you can use a little precision and some household items to get comfortable again until we see you in the office!

If you are experiencing severe pain or an appliance problem you just can't fix, please call us right away! We’ll use our expertise to get you back on track quickly.

  • Poking Wire: Use a pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat against your tooth, or cover the end with a pea-sized ball of wax.
  • Loose Bracket: If the bracket is still on the wire, leave it be and add some wax for comfort. If it comes off, save it in an envelope for your next visit!
  • Long Wire: If a wire has shifted, try using tweezers or needle-nosed pliers to slide it back into the tube. As a last resort, you can use sterilized nail clippers to snip the extra bit.
  • General Soreness: It’s totally normal to feel a little tender for 3 to 5 days after an adjustment. Stick to soft foods and rinse with warm salt water. Our doctors recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the best results, as other over-the-counter meds can actually slow down your strategic tooth movement!

We know headgear can be a bit of a transition! If your facebow gets bent, give us a call so we can fix it with precision. Remember, the more you wear it, the more comfortable it becomes. You're doing a great job—keep it up!

If a part of your appliance feels loose or is poking you, wax is your new best friend! Use as much as you need to stay comfortable, and call us as soon as possible so we can get your customized treatment plan back on schedule.

We had such a great experience throughout my son’s Invisalign treatment! He ended up finishing his treatment in about half the time we originally expected, which was amazing. The staff were always so kind, welcoming, and helpful, and every visit was a great experience. They made the entire process easy and comfortable from beginning to end. We are very happy with the results and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an orthodontist!

E. Google

This place is great. They took the time to answer all our questions and give us multiple options at our first consultation. The offer they provided was better than we expected. The follow up appointments have been a breeze. Couldn't speak more highly of Olsen Orthodontics.

D.C. Google

My experience was grand. I gel well taken care of and got all of my questions answered. Looking forward to my results!

C.D. Google

I had the best orthodontic experience getting my braces done! From start to finish, the staff was so welcoming, professional, and patient. Everyone made me feel comfortable and took the time to explain everything throughout the process. I’m so happy with my experience and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an orthodontist. ❤️

T.T. Google

Everyone at Olsen was very friendly and patient. From consultation to installation of braces was smooth and all my questions were answered. I appreciate everyone here.

A.B. Google

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Total Reviews

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What counts as a "real" emergency?

If you have severe pain, a broken appliance that is preventing you from eating, or a traumatic injury to your mouth, that’s a real emergency! We’re here at every step, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re worried.

Will a broken bracket delay my results?

Possibly! Your treatment is a strategic journey, and every piece of advanced technology on your teeth has a job to do. Calling us quickly to repair damage ensures you stay on track for those proven results!

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