Orthodontic Emergencies in Green Bay, WI

Broken Wire, Broken Braces, or Broken Clear Aligners? Visit Allouez Family Dental

Broken wire? Loose bracket? Clear aligner cracked? Orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and where to go for help can make all the difference. At Allouez Family Dental in Green Bay, WI, our dental team provides urgent dental care for braces, Invisalign®, retainers, and more. Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or an issue that risks interrupting your treatment, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments to give you immediate relief and protect your smile.

Need immediate dental assistance? Call our Green Bay dental office at (920) 339-8980 for same-day care. We’re conveniently located on Libal Street, near Zesty’s Frozen Custard, proudly serving patients in Green Bay, Abrams, Denmark, Casco, Seymour, and surrounding Wisconsin communities.

What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?

An orthodontic emergency occurs when braces, aligners, or retainers cause severe pain, discomfort, or damage that interferes with daily life or your treatment plan. While some minor dental issues can be handled at home, others require an emergency dental visit for immediate treatment.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Broken or Loose Brackets

Brackets can come loose from eating hard foods, sports injuries, or daily wear. A loose bracket may shift and disrupt your progress.

What to Do at Home:

• Apply orthodontic wax to secure it and protect the gums.
• Stick to soft foods until your dentist in Green Bay can repair it.
• If it fully detaches, save it in a clean container and bring it to your appointment.

Poking or Sharp Wires

Shifting wires may poke cheeks, gums, or tongue, causing irritation.

What to Do at Home:

• Use a clean pencil eraser to gently push the wire down.
• Apply orthodontic wax for a smooth barrier.
• Rinse with warm saltwater to reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.

Lost or Broken Aligners

Aligners can crack, break, or get misplaced, interrupting your Invisalign® progress.

What to Do at Home:

• If cracked but wearable, keep using it until you can visit us.
• If lost, switch back to your previous aligner if available.
• Contact our Green Bay dental office right away to avoid further complications.

Severe Pain or Swelling

While mild soreness is normal after adjustments, experiencing severe pain, swelling, or infections may signal an urgent problem.

What to Do at Home:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (follow instructions).
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Rinse with warm saltwater for immediate relief.

Infections or Sores

Braces and aligners can irritate, and without proper oral hygiene, infections may develop. Look for bleeding gums, pus, or severe toothaches.

What to Do at Home:

• Rinse with saltwater or antiseptic mouthwash.
• Apply orthodontic wax to reduce irritation.
• Contact our emergency dentist in Green Bay if symptoms worsen.

Loose or Broken Retainers

Retainers help keep your teeth aligned after treatment. If your retainer becomes broken or loose, teeth may begin shifting.

What to Do at Home:

• Wear your retainer if it’s still intact but loose until your visit.
• If broken, avoid use and bring it to your appointment for replacement.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

Not all emergencies are avoidable, but you can lower your risk with these tips:

• Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that damage braces.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and infections.
• Wear a custom mouthguard during sports to prevent dental injuries.
• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
• Keep up with regular visits to catch small issues before they become emergencies.

Orthodontic Emergency Signs You Need Urgent Dental Care

You may need an emergency dental visit in Green Bay if you notice:

• Persistent severe toothaches or jaw pain
• Loose brackets, bands, or wires
• Protruding wires irritate gums or cheeks
• Bleeding, swelling, or infections around the gums
• Chipped or broken appliances (braces, aligners, retainers)
• Dental injuries, such as a broken tooth or knocked-out tooth

Frequently Asked Questions