Your child comes home from school with a wire poking their cheek. Or you notice a bracket dangling from their braces just before bedtime. Nearly 30% of kids with braces will experience an orthodontic emergency at some point during treatment. When something goes wrong, knowing what to do can help you stay calm and keep your child comfortable. 

Read on to learn how to recognize common orthodontic problems, determine when professional care is needed, and where to find the best orthodontist in Culver City to handle unexpected problems.

What to Do When You or Your Child Has an Orthodontic Problem

Most minor problems with traditional metal braces do not require an emergency visit to the orthodontist; in fact, there are some simple things you can do at home to reduce irritation while you wait for your next scheduled appointment. Below are some helpful tips for handling some of the most common problems with braces:

What to Do When You Have a Poking Wire

The most common orthodontic problem kids and teens experience is a poking wire. This can happen when a wire shifts out of position and rubs against the cheek, lips, or gums. Even a small section of exposed wire can cause an uncomfortable sore. If this is happening, you can help your child reduce irritation by:

  • Gently repositioning the wire using a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil to push it gently toward the tooth
  • Applying orthodontic wax to shield sensitive tissues from the wire
  • Letting the orthodontist know about the poking wire, in case an earlier appointment becomes available

Avoid forcing a wire into position or cutting it at home, as this can make matters worse. If the wire has caused a sore, swishing a warm saltwater rinse in the mouth can help soothe the irritated area.

How to Handle a Loose Bracket

Brackets attach to the teeth and hold the archwire in place. A bracket can loosen after your child eats hard or sticky foods or sustains an impact to the mouth. This can cause the loose bracket to move along the wire or rotate away from the tooth. Here’s what to do: 

  • Do not pull it off or try to glue it back onto the tooth
  • If the bracket rubs against the cheek or lip, cover it with orthodontic wax
  • If the bracket comes completely off, place it in a clean container and bring it to your next appointment

Mouth Trauma When You Have Braces

If your child sustains an injury to the mouth or face, it’s important to stay calm and check your child’s mouth for bleeding, swelling, or damage to the braces. For minor irritation, orthodontic wax and a warm saltwater rinse may provide relief until you can see an orthodontist. If your child experiences significant bleeding, severe pain, facial injury, or trouble breathing or swallowing, you should get urgent medical or dental care. 

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

You cannot prevent every broken bracket or sore spot, but a few everyday habits can reduce the risk of problems during orthodontic treatment. Parents can help kiddos protect their braces by: 

  • Offering braces-friendly foods. This includes reminding your child to avoid hard candies, ice, popcorn kernels, and sticky sweets.
  • Cutting firm foods into smaller pieces. This includes slicing apples and raw vegetables instead of biting into them whole.
  • Encouraging your child to wear a mouthguard during sports. 
  • Keeping up with scheduled orthodontic appointments, which help ensure there are no broken or worn-down pieces and treatment stays on schedule. 
  • Keep orthodontic supplies, like wax, oral hygiene supplies, and a small mirror, handy at all times. 

Where to Find the Best Orthodontist in Culver City for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Knowing how to handle a loose bracket or poking wire and having a knowledgeable orthodontist on speed dial can make unexpected problems less stressful. This is exactly the type of patient-first care the team at West LA Orthodontics strives to give. 

At our modern orthodontic clinic in Culver City, Dr. Jonathan Shouhed provides exceptional orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. He completed his dental education at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California and his residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at Roseman University of Health Sciences. His treatment philosophy emphasizes individualized care and a conservative approach, with recommendations based on each patient’s needs.

Our practice uses modern orthodontic technology, including custom 3D-printed LightForce brackets and the iTero Element intraoral scanner. These tools support personalized treatment planning and care tailored to each patient.

Ready to give your child the gift of a straighter, more confident smile and lasting oral health with the best orthodontist in Culver City?