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If you have a problem with your braces or aligners, we are here to help. Stay calm.
Wire has come loose
If the wire of your braces comes loose and the end is poking you, cover it with orthodontic wax or gently press it against the tooth with the rubber end of a pencil. Only if it hurts badly and you cannot reach us should an adult trim the end with disinfected nail clippers. In any case, make an appointment with us as soon as possible to have it fixed.
Loose bracket
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, try to gently push it back into its original position. Use dental wax to stabilise the bracket and prevent it from moving or injuring the inside of your mouth. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could further loosen the bracket. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible to have the bracket properly reattached.
Mouth sore
Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to clean the area and prevent infection. For minor sores, antiseptic mouthwashes can help keep the sore clean. Use dental wax on parts of your braces that are irritating the sore to prevent further injury. If the sore is bleeding heavily or not healing, please contact us straight away, or the out-of-hours dental emergency service outside opening hours.
Aligner cracked, lost or with sharp edges
With aligner treatment such as Invisalign®, one rule matters most: always wear an aligner – 20 to 22 hours a day – so that your teeth do not lose their position.
The aligner has cracked: if the next aligner fits and seats without force, move on to the next stage. Otherwise keep wearing the previous aligner and contact us so that we can order a replacement.
The aligner has been lost: as a rule, you do not have to start over. Wear the next aligner if it fits well; if it does not, wear the previous one.
The aligner has sharp edges or presses on the gums: find the spot and gently smooth the edge with a fine nail file or polishing file. If the irritation is strong, wear the aligner less for a short time and contact us.
The new aligner does not fit properly: this is often normal in the first few hours. Bite on chewies and wear the aligner consistently. If it still will not seat fully after several hours, go back to the previous aligner and call us – sometimes a stage needs to be extended.
An attachment has come off: this is not an emergency. Keep wearing your aligners as usual; we will replace the attachment at your next appointment. If several attachments are missing or the aligner no longer grips, contact us sooner.
On holiday: always take the previous and the next aligner with you and keep your aligners in their case, never loose in a napkin.
When is it a real emergency?
If you have strong swelling, a fever, signs of infection, a wire stuck deep in your gum or tongue, or a dental injury after an accident, contact us straight away, or the out-of-hours dental emergency service outside opening hours. Loose brackets, poking wires, sore spots and a cracked or lost aligner can usually wait until the next working day.
You will find more answers in our FAQ on braces and aligners.