At Home & Emergency Care

Everything you need to stay comfortable and on track between visits

Start here if something feels off!

What can we help with Today?

Select a concern to get quick guidance and next steps.

1. Soreness or pressure

Mild discomfort after adjustments or new aligners.

2. Loose bracket

A bracket that feels loose but is still attached.

1. Soreness or pressure

Mild discomfort after adjustments or new aligners.

What should I do if my braces or aligners hurt?
Mild soreness is normal, especially after adjustments
or when starting a new aligner. This means your teeth
are moving as planned.
What to do:
• Stick to soft foods for a day or two
• Stay consistent with your appliance
• Use over-the-counter relief if needed
When to contact us:
If pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days.

2. Loose bracket

A bracket that feels loose but is still
attached.

What should I do if a bracket comes loose?
A loose bracket is common during orthodontic
treatment and is usually not an emergency if it is still
attached to the wire.
What to do:
• Leave the bracket in place
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
• Keep the area clean
When to contact us:
Call our office to schedule a repair visit so treatment
stays on track.

3. Poking wire

A wire that is irritating your cheek or lip.

4. Aligner not fitting

Your aligner does not fully seat or
feels off.

3. Poking wire

A wire that is irritating your cheek or lip.

How do I x a poking wire at home?
A poking wire can happen as your teeth shift and the wire
moves slightly.
What to do:
• Use orthodontic wax to cover the area
• Gently push the wire flat with a clean cotton swab
• Rinse with warm salt water if irritated
When to contact us:
If the wire continues to cause discomfort or you cannot
manage it at home.

4. Aligner not fitting

Your aligner does not fully seat or
feels off.

Why is my Invisalign or aligner not tting properly?
Aligners should feel snug and fully seated. If they are not fitting, it
may be due to wear time or incomplete seating.
What to do:
• Make sure you are wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day
• Use chewies to fully seat the aligner
• Check that you are on the correct aligner stage
When to contact us:
If the aligner will not fully seat or feels significantly off, send us a
photo so we can guide you.

5. Lost or broken retainer

Your retainer is missing, cracked, or
not usable.

6. General discomfort

Something feels off but you are not
sure what.

5. Lost or broken retainer

Your retainer is missing, cracked, or
not usable.

What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?
Retainers are essential to keeping your teeth in their new
position. Acting quickly helps prevent shifting.
What to do:
• Wear your previous retainer if you still have it
• Keep your teeth protected as much as possible
• Contact us right away for a replacement
When to contact us:
Immediately. Teeth can begin shifting within days without
proper retention.

6. General discomfort

Something feels off but you are not
sure what.

What should I do if something feels o with my braces or aligners?
If something does not feel right but you are not sure what it is, it is
always best to check in.
What to do:
• Take note of when the discomfort started
• Check for anything loose or out of place
• Continue wearing your appliance unless it is painful
When to contact us:
If the discomfort continues or you are unsure, reach out and we will
guide you.

General Care Instructions

Aligner Care

Keep your aligners clear and working!

• Rinse every time you remove them

• Clean gently with a soft brush

• Avoid hot water

• Store in case when not in use

Braces Care

Protect your braces, protect your progress

• Avoid sticky and hard foods

• Brush carefully around brackets

• Use wax for irritation

• Keep all scheduled visits

Emergency Care

Everything you need to stay comfortable, know what’s normal, and understand when to reach out.

Not an emergency

These are common and can usually be managed at home.

• Mild soreness or pressure

• Loose bracket still attached

• Minor irritation from a wire

• Slight aligner discomfort

Needs attention

Reach out to our office so we can guide you quickly!

• Severe pain

• Injury to teeth or mouth

• Swelling or infection

• Appliance fully broken or detached

We’ve got you!

You’re never on your own!

If something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help you through it. No guesswork, no stress.

Whether it’s a quick question, something unexpected, or just peace of mind, our team is always available to guide you. Most concerns are simple to manage, and when they’re not, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of quickly

Real-life orthodontic situations

A few common situations and how to handle them with confidence!

Sports injury?

What if I get hit in the mouth during sports?

If you experience a hit to the mouth while wearing braces or aligners, stay calm and assess the area.

What to do:
• Check for bleeding or loose appliances
• Rinse gently with water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

Next step:
If anything feels loose, painful, or concerning, contact our office so we can guide you.

Appliance breaks completely

What if my braces or appliance break?

If something fully breaks or detaches, avoid trying to fix it yourself.

What to do:

• Remove any loose pieces if safe

• Keep all parts with you

• Avoid using that area

Next step:

Call our office so we can schedule a repair and keep your treatment on track.

If a button comes off (for rubber bands)

Buttons are used to support rubber band wear, and if one comes off, the rubber bands should be paused.

What to do:

• Stop wearing your rubber bands

• Continue wearing your aligners

• Avoid placing pressure on the area

Next step:

Contact our office so we can replace the button and resume your rubber band wear

Traveling or on vacation

What if something happens while I’m away?

Orthodontic issues can happen anywhere, and most can be managed temporarily until you return.

What to do:

• Continue wearing your appliance if possible

• Use wax or simple at-home solutions

• Avoid anything that worsens discomfort

Next step:

Send us a photo and we’ll guide you, even if you’re out of town.

Something feels off but not urgent

What if I’m not sure what’s wrong?

Not every issue is obvious, and that’s okay!

What to do:

• Take note of what feels different

• Check for anything loose or irritating

• Continue wearing your appliance unless painful

Next step:

Reach out to us. We’ll help you figure out the best next step.

If an attachment comes off

Attachments are small supports that help guide tooth movement, but your aligner will continue to work even if one comes off.

What to do:

• Continue wearing your aligners as instructed

• Avoid picking at the area

• Keep your aligners fully seated

Next step:

Schedule a visit at your earliest convenience so we can replace the attachment and keep your treatment progressing efficiently

Invisalign Emergency While Traveling

Even if an attachment or button comes off while you are away, it is still not considered an emergency.

What to do:

• Continue your aligners

• Pause rubber bands if needed

• Avoid anything that worsens discomfort

Next step:

Reach out to us when you return or send us a photo so we can guide you