What to do in an
orthodontic emergency

Orthodontic issues are usually minor - but they can still cause discomfort, anxiety or confusion. Whether you’re dealing with a loose bracket, sore gums, or a lost aligner, we’re here to guide you through it. Below are some of the most common orthodontic concerns and what to do next. If in doubt, give us a call - our team is always happy to help.

What to do in an orthodontic emergency

Discomfort after
a braces adjustment

  • It’s completely normal to feel sore or sensitive for a few days after getting braces or following an adjustment.
  • Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soups and smoothies.
  • Rinse with warm salt water.
  • If needed, take over-the-counter pain relief (as advised by your doctor or pharmacist).
Discomfort after a braces adjustment

Irritation from
brackets or wires

  • If a wire or bracket is rubbing your mouth or gums, try applying orthodontic wax to reduce friction.
  • A clean pencil eraser can be used to nudge poking wires into a more comfortable position.
  • For slipped wires, use clean tweezers to gently reposition them back into place.
  • Rinse with salt water to ease inflammation.
  • Contact us if the issue persists - we can book a fix-up appointment.
Irritation from brackets or wires

Mouth ulcers
or sore spots

  • Mouth ulcers can occur when braces or aligners rub on sensitive areas.
  • Apply wax to the bracket or appliance causing friction.
  • Use topical gels like Brace Relief or Bonjela.
  • Rinse with salt water 2-3 times a day to promote healing.
  • Avoid acidic or spicy foods while healing.
Mouth ulcers or sore spots

Loose or
broken brackets

  • If a bracket comes off but is still attached to the wire, apply wax to hold it in place.
  • Avoid chewy or hard foods until it’s repaired.
  • Contact us to arrange an appointment - while not urgent, it does need to be fixed.
Loose or broken brackets

Sharp or
pokey wires

  • Use orthodontic wax over the wire.
  • Try nudging the wire gently back into place with a clean pencil eraser.
  • Tweezers can also help guide thinner wires back under a bracket slot.
  • If the issue doesn’t resolve, call us to schedule a repair.
Sharp or pokey wires

Lost or broken
modules (ligatures)

  • These are the tiny rubber bands or wires that hold the archwire in place.
  • If one falls off or breaks, don’t worry - it’s usually not urgent.
  • Just let us know at your next appointment, or call us if you’re concerned.
Lost or broken modules (ligatures)

Food caught
in braces

  • Use superfloss or interdental brushes to remove stubborn food particles.
  • Rinse with water or mouthwash to flush debris.
  • While not an emergency, removing food helps prevent plaque buildup and irritation.
Food caught in braces

Lost or broken
clear aligners

  • Always store your aligners in the protective case when not in use
  • If you've lost your Invisalign® aligner, start wearing the previous set again to maintain progress.
  • Don’t move forward to the next set without guidance - it may disrupt your treatment plan.
  • Contact us immediately so we can order a replacement or advise the best next step.
  • Always store your aligners in the protective case when not in use.
Lost or broken clear aligners

When to call us

You should always get in touch if:

  • Something is painful and doesn’t settle within a day or two
  • You have run out of elastics
  • You’re unsure how to fix something at home
  • A bracket or wire has broken completely
  • You’ve experienced an injury to your teeth or mouth while wearing braces
  • You’ve lost your aligners or attachments are missing

📞 Helensvale: (07) 5573 6535

📞 Benowa: (07) 5597 3400

When to call us

Support when
you need it most

Our friendly Gold Coast team is here to make your orthodontic experience smooth, safe, and stress-free. If something doesn’t feel right, we’re just a phone call away.

Contact us now
Support when you need it most