Emergency Care

Emergency Orthodontic Care in San Diego

Most orthodontic emergencies, like a poking wire, a loose bracket, or a broken appliance, are uncomfortable but not dangerous, and can be managed at home until you are seen.

If you have a true injury to your mouth or teeth, contact your family dentist or seek medical care first. For appliance problems, call Elite Orthodontics Group in San Diego during business hours so we can schedule a repair. Appliance emergencies require an appointment and cannot be handled as a walk-in.

Orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. Our team is here to help patients across San Diego handle unexpected issues with braces or appliances safely and comfortably.

What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?

Orthodontic emergencies generally fall into two categories: problems with your appliances, and injuries involving your mouth and teeth. Most are not life-threatening, but they should be addressed promptly to avoid discomfort or delays in your treatment.

If Your Braces or Appliance Are Causing a Problem

If something breaks, bends, or feels uncomfortable, call our office during regular business hours so we can schedule an appointment. In the meantime, these steps usually help:

• Poking wire. Cover the end with orthodontic wax, or gently tuck it under the main wire using a pencil eraser or the back of a spoon.
• Loose bracket or band. It is usually fine to leave it in place until your visit. Call us so we can schedule a repair.
• Long or bothersome wire. You may be able to gently bend it back with a pencil eraser, or clip the end with clean nail clippers. If you are unsure, call us first for guidance.

A little day-to-day care prevents many of these problems in the first place.

If You Injure Your Mouth or Teeth

If you experience trauma to your mouth or teeth from an accident:

• Apply ice right away to reduce swelling.
• Contact your family dentist as soon as possible, since they may need to take X-rays or provide urgent dental care.
• If a tooth is knocked out, cracked, or pushed out of position, see your dentist or an emergency provider first, as they have the tools and anesthesia to treat it.

If your braces or appliances are damaged in the injury, let Elite Orthodontics Group know after your dental visit. We will coordinate any repairs once your dentist confirms it is safe to proceed.

If an Emergency Happens After Hours

If you have pain or discomfort from an orthodontic emergency after hours, please call our office. Our voicemail includes instructions on who to reach for assistance while we are closed.

When to Contact Us

Reach out whenever:

• An appliance breaks, loosens, or causes discomfort
• A wire is poking or irritating your mouth
• You are unsure how to manage an orthodontic issue
• An injury affects your braces or appliances

Our goal is to keep your treatment on track and as comfortable as possible. Se habla español.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

Not every emergency can be avoided, but you can lower your risk by:

• Avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods
• Wearing a mouthguard during sports and physical activity
• Following all care instructions from our team