What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are unexpected issues with your braces or aligners that cause pain, discomfort, or interfere with your treatment. While most situations aren’t true emergencies requiring a hospital visit, they still deserve prompt attention — especially if they affect your ability to eat, speak, or wear your appliance correctly.
At Eggemeyer & Graham Orthodontics, we provide responsive care for orthodontic emergencies in Wilmette, IL and the surrounding North Shore communities. Whether it’s a loose bracket, a poking wire, or discomfort that won’t go away, our team is here to support you with expert guidance and compassionate care.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies and What to Do
Not sure what qualifies as an orthodontic emergency? Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues — and how you can manage them at home until we see you.
Broken or Loose Bracket
A bracket may come loose if you bite into hard or sticky foods. If it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. If it completely detaches, save the bracket and bring it with you.
Call us if: The bracket is causing pain, or you’re unsure whether it needs to be reattached right away.
Poking Wire
A wire that has shifted can irritate your cheek or gums. Try using a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently push it flat against the tooth. Orthodontic wax can provide a buffer.
Call us if: The wire is causing bleeding or can’t be repositioned comfortably.
Loose Bands or Spacers
Bands around molars or separators used before appliance placement can sometimes shift. If something falls out completely, save it and call us to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Soreness After Adjustments
Mild soreness is normal after getting braces or following an adjustment. It usually subsides within a few days.
What helps: Over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen), a soft food diet, and warm salt water rinses.
Call us if: The pain is severe, doesn’t improve, or is accompanied by swelling.
Lost or Damaged Aligner
If you’re in Invisalign treatment and lose or damage an aligner, don’t skip to the next one without speaking to us first.
Call us immediately — we’ll help determine if you should wear your previous set, move forward, or have a replacement ordered.
When to Seek Urgent Help
While most orthodontic issues can wait a day or two, some symptoms may indicate a more serious concern. Contact us promptly if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with OTC medication
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Trauma to the mouth, teeth, or jaw
- An appliance that prevents you from speaking, eating, or closing your mouth comfortably
In rare cases involving serious trauma or infection, go to the emergency room or call your dentist first — and follow up with us for any appliance repairs or adjustments.
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
Most orthodontic emergencies are preventable with good habits and a little care. Here are some helpful tips to keep treatment on track and discomfort to a minimum:
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — These can break brackets, bend wires, or dislodge appliances.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports — Even for non-contact sports, a mouthguard protects your braces and your mouth.
- Follow aligner instructions carefully — Always store your Invisalign trays in their case, and avoid exposing them to hot water.
- Don’t skip appointments — Regular visits help us catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
- Call if you’re unsure — It’s always better to ask questions early than wait for an issue to get worse.
Being proactive is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth orthodontic experience — and our team is always here to guide you.
Emergency Orthodontic Care in Wilmette, IL
We understand how stressful it can be when something doesn’t feel right with your orthodontic appliance — especially if it’s painful or inconvenient. That’s why we offer same-day or next-day emergency appointments for our Wilmette patients whenever possible.
At Eggemeyer & Graham Orthodontics, we prioritize comfort, clarity, and communication. When you call with an emergency:
- You’ll speak with a friendly, knowledgeable team member
- We’ll help you decide whether immediate care is needed
- If appropriate, we’ll walk you through temporary relief options
- We’ll schedule a visit to make sure your treatment stays on track
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities — and we’re always just a phone call away.
Why Choose Eggemeyer & Graham Orthodontics for Emergency Care?
When an orthodontic issue arises, you want a team that’s calm, capable, and committed to your care. At Eggemeyer & Graham Orthodontics, we don’t just respond quickly — we respond with the warmth and professionalism you deserve.
Here’s what sets our Wilmette orthodontic team apart:
- Experienced, board-certified orthodontists — You’ll receive expert care from Dr. Eggemeyer or Dr. Graham
- Compassionate support — Our team listens, explains, and reassures you through every concern
- Efficient scheduling — We prioritize emergencies to minimize delays and discomfort
- Continuity of care — We know your treatment history and tailor every decision to your unique plan
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re already a patient in treatment, we’re here when you need us most.