Need immediate help? We offer same-day emergency appointments at both offices — and we welcome patients of other practices.
Same-Day Appointments · Both Offices · Current & Non-Patients Welcome
Orthodontic problems happen, a bracket breaks at dinner, a wire starts poking at midnight, an Invisalign aligner cracks before a big meeting. At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, we offer same-day emergency appointments at both our West Palm Beach and Wellington offices for active patients, and we do our best to accommodate patients of other practices when their own orthodontist isn’t available.
Most orthodontic “emergencies” are actually minor inconveniences that can be managed temporarily at home while you wait for your next appointment. True emergencies, significant pain, facial swelling, trauma to the mouth, need immediate attention. This page will help you tell the difference, manage discomfort at home, and know exactly when (and how) to call us.
For our comprehensive guide to orthodontic emergencies, covering every scenario in detail — read our complete orthodontic emergency guide.
True Emergency vs Minor Issue
Not every broken bracket or sore mouth needs an emergency call. Use this quick guide to decide what action to take and how fast.
Call Us Immediately
- XSignificant trauma to mouth or face
- XTooth knocked out or displaced
- XFacial swelling or possible infection
- XSevere, unmanageable pain
- XWire embedded in soft tissue
- XDifficulty breathing or swallowing
Manage at Home — Call Next Day
- ✓Loose or broken bracket (no sharp edges)
- ✓Poking wire — cover with wax
- ✓Normal soreness after adjustment
- ✓Lost elastic band or ligature
- ✓Minor mouth sores from brackets
- ✓Small aligner crack (no sharp edges)
- ✓Lost aligner — go back to previous set
Common Braces Emergencies: What to Do
Although modern braces are generally comfortable and strong, they don’t protect you from all dental emergencies. When you have traditional wire braces, you can run into issues that may need require immediate attention.
If you suffer from any of the following, please call our office as soon as possible. Most emergencies can be managed quickly and without any lasting damage to you or your teeth.
Loose Brackets & Wires Expand
A loose bracket is one of the most common orthodontic issues. The bracket may still be attached to the wire — if so, leave it in place and apply orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges causing irritation. If the bracket has come off completely, save it in a small zip-lock bag and bring it to your appointment. Loose brackets rarely delay treatment significantly, but you should call us within 1–2 business days to schedule a repair.
When to call immediately: if the loose bracket is causing a sharp wire to dig into your cheek or gum, or if you’re in significant pain.
Poking Wire
A wire that has slipped out of the back bracket or that is protruding at the end can cause sharp irritation to the cheek or gum tissue. First try: gently push the wire back into place with a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil. If you can’t reposition it, cover the sharp end with a pea-sized piece of orthodontic wax — available at any drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Publix). As a last resort, a pair of small nail clippers that have been cleaned with rubbing alcohol can be used to carefully clip the wire behind the last secured bracket.
When to call immediately: if the wire has caused a significant cut or is embedded in soft tissue.
Tooth Soreness After Adjustments
Some soreness and pressure for 2–5 days after a new set of braces or an adjustment appointment is completely normal — your teeth are responding to new forces. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken as directed on the package) manage this very effectively. Soft foods during the first few days help significantly. Warm saltwater rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) soothe irritated gum tissue.
When to call: if the pain is severe, lasts longer than 5–7 days, or is localized to a single tooth (which may indicate a different issue).
Mouth Sores and Irritation
It’s very common, especially in the first few weeks of braces, to develop small ulcers or sores where brackets rub against the inside of the cheeks or lips. The cheeks gradually develop a slight callus that makes this less noticeable over time. In the meantime: orthodontic wax on the offending bracket provides immediate relief. Topical oral gels (like Orajel or Canker-X) can help numb sore spots. Warm saltwater rinses promote healing. Avoid touching the sores with your fingers.
When to call: if sores are severe, spreading, or accompanied by fever (signs of infection).
Swallowing Brackets Expand
Small pieces of orthodontic hardware can occasionally break off and be swallowed. In the vast majority of cases, the piece is so small that it passes naturally through the digestive system without issue. If you believe you have swallowed a piece, call our office so we can confirm what broke and assess whether anything is missing or needs repair. If you experience any difficulty breathing, chest pain, or feel that something is lodged in your throat, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Accidents and Sports Injuries
When you wear braces, you are actually better protected against tooth decay than the average person, simply because you will be closely monitored for problems during the period the braces are on.
However, you can still lose or damage a tooth due to an accident or sports collision. In those cases, your wire braces can damage your lips, mouth and gums. To prevent this issue, wear a mouthguard whenever you are involved in sports or intense physical activity.
Loose or Broken Bracket
Leave attached brackets in place. Cover with wax. If it came off completely, save it in a zip-lock bag. Call within 1–2 business days for repair.
Call immediately if: wire is now poking or causing significant pain.
Poking Wire
Push wire back with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. Cover the end with orthodontic wax. Last resort: clean nail clippers to trim.
Call immediately if: wire has cut soft tissue or is embedded in gum.
Soreness After Adjustment
Normal for 2–5 days. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Soft foods help. Warm saltwater rinses soothe gums.
Call if: pain lasts 7+ days or is localised to one tooth.
Mouth Sores / Irritation
Apply orthodontic wax to any bracket causing friction. Topical oral gel (Orajel) numbs sore spots. Warm saltwater rinses 2–3x daily.
Call if: sores are severe, spreading, or accompanied by fever.
Lost Aligner or Retainer
Go back to your previous set immediately. Do NOT stop wearing aligners. Call within 24 hours for guidance on replacement or advancing to next tray.
Call immediately if: recently finished treatment (teeth shift fast).
Sports Injury / Mouth Trauma
Rinse with warm water. Apply cold compress. Call us right away. If there is tooth displacement or a knocked-out tooth, go to the ER first, then call us.
Prevention: always wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
After Hours, What to Do If We’re Closed
Most orthodontic issues that happen evenings and weekends can wait until the next business day if managed at home with orthodontic wax and over-the-counter pain relief. Leave a message at either office and we’ll return your call on the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.
For genuine dental emergencies that happen after hours, significant tooth trauma, facial swelling that may indicate infection, or a tooth knocked completely out, do not wait for an orthodontist. Go to your nearest hospital emergency room or urgent dental care center. For knocked-out teeth specifically, time is critical (ideally replanted within 30–60 minutes for the best outcome).
Emergency contacts:
– West Palm Beach ER: HCA Florida JFK Hospital (5301 S Congress Ave, Atlantis, FL 33462) or St. Mary’s Medical Center (901 45th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407)
– Wellington ER: Wellington Regional Medical Center (10101 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414)
– Urgent dental care: Search “emergency dentist near me” or “urgent care dental West Palm Beach” — several practices offer after-hours urgent dental care in the area
Frequently Asked Questions — Orthodontic Emergencies
Do you see emergency patients who aren’t current patients?
Yes — we do our best to accommodate patients of other practices who need urgent care, especially when their own orthodontist isn’t available. Call either office and describe your situation. We’ll advise whether you need to be seen in-office or can manage at home temporarily.
What counts as a true orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies requiring immediate attention include: significant trauma to the face or mouth with tooth fracture or displacement; a tooth knocked completely out; facial swelling that may indicate infection; or severe, unmanageable pain. Most other issues — loose brackets, poking wires, general soreness — can typically be managed at home for 1–2 days.
A bracket came off. How quickly do I need to be seen?
If the bracket is off completely but you’re not in pain, you can typically wait 1–3 business days for a repair. Call us to let us know and we’ll schedule you appropriately. If the detached bracket is causing a wire to poke or significant discomfort, call the same day.
I swallowed part of my braces. Is that dangerous?
Small pieces of orthodontic hardware are almost always small enough to pass naturally through the digestive system without harm. Call our office so we can confirm what broke and what needs repair. If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or feel something lodged in your throat, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
My Invisalign aligner cracked. What do I do?
If the crack doesn’t affect the fit and there are no sharp edges, you may be able to continue wearing it for a few more days. If the fit is compromised or sharp edges are present, move back to your previous set and call us. We’ll advise whether you need a replacement tray or can advance to the next set based on where you are in your treatment.
In Pain? We’ll Get You In Today.
Same-day emergency appointments at both offices. Current patients and patients of other practices welcome. Call the office nearest you — we’ll take care of you.