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Orthodontic Emergency Care

Most orthodontic issues can wait until regular office hours, but we’re here to help if you experience discomfort or have concerns.

During Office Hours

Call us immediately if you're experiencing an orthodontic issue:

Novato: (415) 897-3141
Santa Rosa: (707) 537-1023

After Hours

For true emergencies outside office hours, call our main number and follow the prompts for emergency assistance.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Common Orthodontic Issues

Here’s what to do if you experience these common situations:

Loose Lower Expander

Minor

The lower expander comes out on one side or breaks on one side.

What to Do:

  • Try to gently push the insert of the expander back into the sheath of the molar band. 

  • If you cannot replace the loose side, try to gently pull the insert of the expander on the other side out of the sheath to remove the expander from the mouth. The direction of pull is from the back of the mouth straight forward to the front of the mouth. Save your expander and bring it with you for your next orthodontic appointment. 

  • Call our office to schedule a repair appointment

Loose or Broken Bracket

Minor

A bracket or band has come loose from a tooth.

What to Do:

  • If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place
  • Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges
  • Call our office to schedule a repair appointment

Poking Wire

Minor
A wire is sticking out and irritating your cheek or gums.

What to Do:

  • Try using the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back
  • Cover the wire with orthodontic wax for comfort
  • If the wire cannot be repositioned, call our office

Turning Upper Expander

Minor

If you are having trouble turning your expander, please refer to our video tutorial.

What to Do:

  • If you cannot see the hole in the front of the expander screw, it likely means the last turn was not turned completely. 
  • Find the last hole toward the back of the mouth and complete the turn until the next hole turns up in the front.
  • The amount of turns for an expander is an important part of our patients success. If you are not able to complete the # of turns as prescribed, please reach out to us.

Lost or Broken Aligner

Minor
Your Invisalign aligner is lost, broken, or damaged.

What to Do:

  • If you’re close to your next aligner change, move to the next set
  • If not, go back to your previous aligner to maintain progress
  • Call our office to discuss replacement options
  • Continue wearing your aligner as much as possible (20-22 hours/day)

Loose Spacer

Minor
A rubber spacer has fallen out between your teeth.

What to Do:

  • This is common and usually not a concern
  • Call our office to let us know
  • We’ll determine if a replacement is needed before your next appointment

General Soreness

Minor
Your teeth feel sore after an adjustment.

What to Do:

  • This is normal and should subside within a few days
  • Take over-the-counter pain reliever (Tylenol or Advil)
  • Eat soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy items
  • Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritated gums

Mouth Sores or Ulcers

Minor
Irritation or sores have developed in your mouth.

What to Do:

  • Apply orthodontic wax to the area causing irritation
  • Rinse with warm salt water several times a day
  • Use an over-the-counter oral gel like Orajel
  • If sores persist or worsen, call our office

Severe Pain or Swelling

Urgent
You're experiencing significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

What to Do:

  • Call our office immediately
  • If after hours, follow the emergency contact instructions
  • Take over-the-counter pain reliever
  • If you have a fever or severe swelling, seek immediate medical attention

Injury to Teeth or Face

Urgent
You've had a trauma or injury affecting your teeth, braces, or face.

What to Do:

  • Call our office immediately
  • If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze
  • Apply ice to reduce swelling
  • If a tooth is knocked out, see a dentist or go to emergency room immediately

Orthodontic Emergency Kit

Keep these items on hand to handle minor issues at home:
Orthodontic wax
Dental floss and floss threader
Soft toothbrush
Over-the-counter pain reliever
Salt (for warm salt water rinses)
Oral pain gel (like Orajel)
Small mirror
Our office phone number
RescueKit3
RescueKit2

Need Assistance?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing any orthodontic issues. Our team is here to help!
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