Skip to content
Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube
  • 405.321.1926
  • Payment Calculator
  • Make A Payment
Free Consult
  • Our Practice
    • About Our Practice
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Craig
    • Meet Dr. Streight
    • Meet Dr. Kierl
    • Meet The Team
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Office Tour
    • Community Involvement
  • Braces
    • Types of Braces
    • Braces for Kids
    • Braces for Teens
    • Braces for Adults
    • Braces FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Invisalign
    • What Is Invisalign?
    • Invisalign for Kids
    • Invisalign for Teens
    • Invisalign for Adults
    • Invisalign FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?
    • Choosing An Orthodontist
    • Financial Information
    • Jaw Surgery
    • Office Policies
    • New Patient Portal
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Our Practice
    • About Our Practice
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Craig
    • Meet Dr. Streight
    • Meet Dr. Kierl
    • Meet The Team
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Office Tour
    • Community Involvement
  • Braces
    • Types of Braces
    • Braces for Kids
    • Braces for Teens
    • Braces for Adults
    • Braces FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Invisalign
    • What Is Invisalign?
    • Invisalign for Kids
    • Invisalign for Teens
    • Invisalign for Adults
    • Invisalign FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?
    • Choosing An Orthodontist
    • Financial Information
    • Jaw Surgery
    • Office Policies
    • New Patient Portal
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Our Practice
    • About Our Practice
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Craig
    • Meet Dr. Streight
    • Meet Dr. Kierl
    • Meet The Team
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Office Tour
    • Community Involvement
  • Braces
    • Types of Braces
    • Braces for Kids
    • Braces for Teens
    • Braces for Adults
    • Braces FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Invisalign
    • What Is Invisalign?
    • Invisalign for Kids
    • Invisalign for Teens
    • Invisalign for Adults
    • Invisalign FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?
    • Choosing An Orthodontist
    • Financial Information
    • Jaw Surgery
    • Office Policies
    • New Patient Portal
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Make A Payment
Free Consult

Orthodontic Emergencies

Home » Blog » Orthodontic Emergencies

When embarking on a journey to healthier, straighter teeth, it’s not uncommon to be apprehensive about orthodontic treatment. No matter if you choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign’s clear aligner system, it can take a while to get used to your “new normal.” Like every new experience, there is always a period of adjustment, but it’s nothing that should cause stress or worry!

One of the most frequent questions we are asked by new patients at Craig & Streight is if orthodontic treatment will be painful. When braces are first put on or when teeth start moving into their desired positions, it’s common to feel a bit of soreness or aching, but treatment should never be painful. However, although it’s rare, there are times when a real orthodontic emergency may occur.  

 

What constitutes a true orthodontic emergency?

Thankfully, there are only a few cases where this applies:

-Trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth

-Infection and/or swelling and/or bleeding of the gums, mouth, or face

-Intense discomfort or pain in these areas that haven’t responded to treatment

If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. We recommend contacting our office first, but if you feel you need to go to the emergency room instead, go there.

Are you unsure about what may constitute an ER-worthy situation versus something a little less urgent?

A fractured tooth is a good example of an orthodontic emergency which needs immediate diagnosis and treatment. Severe pain and swelling also need immediate attention as they can be an indicator of infection and disease. After your emergency has been attended to, your orthodontic treatment can be adjusted if needed.

At Craig & Streight, it’s our goal always to be available to our patients in case a dental emergency arises. If you are experiencing pain or if any part of your appliance is broken, make sure to get in touch with us so that we can assess what’s causing the pain and repair the appliance as quickly as possible. Fortunately, though, a lot orthodontic issues can be taken alleviated at home!

Now, that’s not to say that home remedies will work every time or completely cure the pain, discomfort, or irritation you may be feeling. We recommend that you always try to address and reduce the cause of pain first and then schedule an appointment with our office. However, while waiting for your appointment, the following strategies can help you remedy several minor issues. Just remember: even if you can ease the pain and discomfort caused by something like a broken or misaligned bracket or wire, you will still need to schedule a repair appointment.

 

Minor orthodontic emergencies

Here are a few common minor orthodontic “emergencies,” and how you can help relieve them at home:

Loose or broken brackets, bands, or wires

Kid playing with orthodontic wax

Sometimes pain is caused by a little “user error” by those who have braces. If you’ve been playing excessively with your braces or eating hard or sticky candy and food, it can cause issues with your brackets, bands, and wires. Issues can lead to extra time in your braces because potential breakage isn’t included in your estimated treatment time! Be sure to stick with your “safe foods” list and to follow all the guidelines we gave you.

If you have a band or bracket that’s broken and still attached to the wire, leave it alone until your appointment (don’t connect elastics to it!). If it’s irritating the inside of your mouth, you can cover the irritating offenders with orthodontic wax. If a broken piece has entirely come off, be sure to save it and bring it to your appointment. Even if the problem seems temporarily solved, be sure to call our office and let us know what’s going on so we can recommend the next steps you should take.

Out-of-place wire, bracket, or tie

As your teeth begin to adjust to treatment, they will start to move. The archwire connecting them may start poking out near the back of the mouth, and that can really irritate your cheeks. One way to remedy this is the use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to move the wire into a more comfortable position. If misplaced wires or ties are your issue, you can use a pair of tweezers to manipulate them into their original position.

Again, take care of the initial irritant and then be sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can fix the actual problem instead of just treating the symptoms.

General tooth pain or loosening

Even though it sounds frightening, it’s perfectly okay for teeth to loosen up slightly during orthodontic treatment. Think of it as proof they are moving in the direction we want them to. Unfortunately, this movement can make your mouth feel a bit tender, especially if you just had your braces put on or adjusted. An effective way to ease this tenderness is by using a salt water rinse twice per day. Combine one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water and then swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. You can place a heating pad or warm washcloth on the outside of your jaw for some additional relief. And over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen will help decrease tooth soreness.

A broken retainer

broken retainer

When the metal or plastic parts of retainers or other removable oral appliances bend and break, it can lead to an uncomfortable and improper fit. If this happens, stop wearing the retainer immediately and schedule an appointment with our office. If your retainer breaks or cracks, collect the pieces in a plastic bag and bring them with you to your next appointment. Sometimes we can repair a broken retainer if we have the original pieces.

A quick note about (gulp!) swallowed parts

At times, a patient may aspirate or swallow small orthodontic appliances. If you accidentally swallow any part of your braces, don’t panic; often it will pass through your digestive system without incident. However, if you have difficulty breathing or start choking, seek emergency help immediately.

Orthodontic emergencies with Craig & Streight

While true orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, they do happen from time-to-time, and it’s critical you seek treatment as quickly as possible. We know that any type of emergency situation is stressful, and we aim to make your orthodontic treatment experience as comfortable as possible. That’s why you can always reach a member of our experienced, compassionate team no matter the day and time for real emergencies.

We want making a better, more beautiful smile a comfortable experience so please contact us immediately if you are feeling any discomfort or pain. We will do everything we can to alleviate your discomfort and fix the problem as quickly as possible!

Schedule a
free consult today
Free Consult

Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Hilary D.
Patient & kind staff. My kids were stoked to get t-shirts & play games while waiting.
Michelle B.
Such great staff and extremely attentive to making sure my treatment is effective. Love coming in!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to hear that our staff has made a positive impact on your treatment experience. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
Rachel A.
We have been seeing Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight for about 18 months. They were recommended to us by several others, as well as our dentist. We have had a very positive experience. We are hopefully almost done, and our next child is starting to see them now as well. We are confident he is in good hands.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review!
Mike C.
Did us a solid job. We agreed on a price and they held up their end. No complaints.
Response from the owner:Hey Mike. Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Vanessa Monik R.
First, I am extremely thankful and happy with the customer service here at Craig & Streight orthodontics! After going to a total of 3 different Orthos, I decided CSO was perfect for my needs. I was able to get my braces on same day and they tailored a payment schedule to my budget. Kari and Ryan listened to me and answered all my questions. Thank you everyone! A BIG Thank you to the gal that applied my braces. I look forward to this journey with CSO!
Response from the owner:Hi Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to meet your needs and make your journey with braces a positive one. Your kind words about Kari, Ryan, and our staff mean a lot to us. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
Alyssa C.
My kids and I had a great experience! The staff was informative, the new technology was impressive, and the pricing was very reasonable. We were in and out quickly with a same-day consultation, and they were able to start the services my son needed right away. Plus, the fun arcade games kept the kids entertained while we waited. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Alyssa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoyed your visit and found our staff informative and our technology impressive. It's great to know that the quick service and entertainment options made your time with us enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Jen K.
They are always encouraging and give her such positive feedback each time my daughter scans for her invisaline. Every step of the process has been excellent
Response from the owner:Hi Jen. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your daughter is receiving such positive encouragement throughout her Invisalign journey. We’re dedicated to making every step a great one, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the good work!
Susn J.
The best Orthodontist office you’ll ever find. Everyone goes above and beyond to help! Can’t imagine going anywhere else! The kids love going!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids have such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care!
Rachel D.
We went in for a consultation after a horrible consultation with another orthodontist and let me say Dr. Craig and her staff are absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter was super hesitant after the previous encounter with the other orthodontist but the staff here at Craig and Streight are top notch! They immediately eased my daughter's mind with their kindness! Went in for a consultation walked out with braces and a great office to take care of her dental needs! Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Rachel. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Craig and our team were able to provide such a positive and reassuring environment for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that we could help ease her concerns and support her dental journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to care for your family's needs!
kammy B.
Very kind very observant always asking and answering questions best dentist visit I’ve had by far
Response from the owner:Hi Kammy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made your visit so positive and engaging.
Jennifer M.
I’m on the Invisalign journey and 11 weeks in. The staff has been great on keeping me informed about my treatment. No matter your treatment plan - you can’t go wrong with this amazing team!
Response from the owner:Hi Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team has been supportive and informative during your Invisalign journey. Your positive feedback motivates us to continue providing exceptional care. If you have any further thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out!
Jaycie J.
Dr.Craig did me and my sister braces many many moons ago (over 10+) and here I am now with my child getting his done by her. Her staff makes him feel comfortable and is always so professional. We love it here.
Response from the owner:Hi Jaycie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartwarming to see families returning for care over the years. We’re delighted to hear that Dr. Craig and the team continue to provide a comfortable and professional environment for you and your child. Your trust in us means a lot, and we look forward to creating more beautiful smiles together!
Kristi B.
I can’t say enough great things about my experience! From the moment I called to schedule, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and efficient — you can tell they genuinely care about their patients.

Dr. Craig took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made me feel totally comfortable throughout the consultation. The entire team’s attention to detail and commitment to providing top-notch care is truly impressive.

The office itself is modern, clean, and equipped with the latest technology, which made everything from x-rays to treatment planning seamless and quick. I was extremely impressed at how smooth the entire experience was.

If you're looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise, kindness, and a passion for creating beautiful smiles, look no further. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Kristi. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartening to hear that our team made you feel welcomed and comfortable from the very start. We take great pride in our commitment to patient care and are thrilled that you found our office modern and efficient. Your kind words about Dr. Craig and the staff truly inspire us to continue providing exceptional service. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
A Google U.
Each visit we experienced happy, efficient staff that took care of our boy!
Response from the owner:Hi Mindy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made each visit enjoyable and efficient for you and your son. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing excellent care.
Michael G.
They done a good job on helping my son get his teeth straight he got them off and they look pretty good
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your son’s teeth look great after his treatment. We appreciate your support!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Patient Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Patient Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Locations

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

405.321.1926

Free Consult
© 2025 Craig & Streight orthodontics | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap

Marketing & Web Design by HIP Creative