OrthodonticEmergency:WhatCountsandWhatCanWait

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, and most problems with braces or aligners can be handled during regular office hours. Seek emergency care right away for heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, a suspected broken jaw, or a knocked-out permanent tooth. For everything else, call your orthodontist.

At Bloom, most urgent issues are handled during business hours. After hours, you can still reach the office by phone, text, or email, and we will tell you what to do next.

True Emergencies: Get Care Now

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says to call 911 or go to an emergency room or urgent dental clinic for:

• Heavy or continuous bleeding from the mouth or face
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A suspected broken or dislocated jaw
• A permanent tooth that is knocked out, pushed into the gums, or badly moved
• Sudden severe pain with facial swelling, fever, or signs of infection

Once you are safe, contact us so we can repair or adjust any braces or appliances.

Urgent but Not an Emergency

These need a call to the office, and many can wait for your next visit:

Problem	What you can do now
Loose or broken bracket	Slide it to the center of the tooth if it is still on the wire, cover it with wax, and call. See broken bracket tips
Poking wire	Push it flat with a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab, or cover the end with wax
Loose band or expander	Do not wiggle it. Save it if it comes off and call the office
Lost, cracked, or warped aligner or retainer	Stop wearing a tray that is sharp or badly bent. Call about a replacement
Sore spots or mouth sores	Eat soft foods, rinse with warm salt water, and use wax where brackets rub

The AAO adds that if you have your previous aligner and it still fits comfortably, your orthodontist may have you wear it for now.

Normal Soreness

Tenderness after braces go on or after an adjustment is expected. The AAO suggests soft foods, a warm salt water rinse, orthodontic wax, and over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package or by your medical provider.

Prevent Problems Before They Start

• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. Our list of what you can eat with braces helps.
• Wear a mouthguard for sports.
• Keep a small kit at home with orthodontic wax, a mirror, and clean nail clippers.
• Keep your regular appointments, and call if something feels off.

Reaching Bloom

Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists at our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices. During business hours, call (714) 430-8454. After hours, reach us by phone, text, or email, and we will help you decide whether it can wait. See treatment details on our metal braces page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an orthodontic emergency?

Heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, a suspected broken jaw, a knocked-out permanent tooth, or severe pain with swelling or fever. Get emergency care for these first.

Is a broken bracket an emergency?

No. Call the office, use wax for comfort, and it is usually fixed at your next visit.

Can I reach Bloom after hours?

Yes. You can reach the office by phone, text, or email after hours. Most issues are then handled during business hours.

What should I do about a wire poking my cheek?

Gently push it flat with a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab, or cover the end with orthodontic wax, then call the office.

Sources

• American Association of Orthodontists, What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
• Bloom details: Metal braces, Contact

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Have a question about your braces? Contact us at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.