Emergency orthodontic care in Sunnyvale, CA
Something broken or uncomfortable? Call or text us first
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
- Loose or broken brackets
- Poking or broken wires
- Lost or damaged aligners
- Broken retainers
- Loose orthodontic appliances
- Irritation from braces
- Unexpected or persistent discomfort
When should you call 911 for emergency medical care?
Seek appropriate emergency care for symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Uncontrolled or significant bleeding
- Severe facial or jaw trauma
- A suspected broken jaw
- Significant swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
- A knocked-out or severely injured tooth
Common orthodontic problems and what to do
Loose or broken bracket
A bracket may loosen after eating something hard or sticky, biting down unexpectedly, or experiencing an impact to the mouth.
If the bracket is still attached to the wire:
- Leave it in place
- Avoid pulling or playing with it
- Avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
- Use orthodontic wax if it is irritating your cheek
- Call or text (408) 739-4224
We can tell you whether the bracket should be repaired before your next scheduled appointment.
Learn more about metal braces.
Poking wire
A wire that shifts or extends beyond the last bracket can irritate the inside of your cheek.
You can temporarily:
- Place orthodontic wax over the irritating end
- Eat softer foods if chewing is uncomfortable
- Avoid repeatedly pulling or bending the wire
Then contact us so we can determine whether an adjustment is needed.
Broken wire
If an orthodontic wire breaks, contact our office. Avoid pulling on the wire or attempting a complicated repair yourself. Orthodontic wax may help cover an irritating end temporarily while you wait for instructions.
Lost Invisalign aligner
If you lose an aligner, do not automatically move to the next tray. The right next step depends on where you are in your treatment sequence and how long you have worn the missing aligner.
Call or text us at (408) 739-4224. Dr. Wainwright and the team can tell you how to proceed based on your treatment plan.
Learn more about Invisalign.
Cracked or damaged aligner
Lost or broken retainer
A lost or damaged retainer is not usually a medical emergency, but it is worth addressing promptly. Teeth can shift without consistent retainer wear. Contact us if your retainer is lost, broken, sharp, or no longer fits correctly.
Learn more about retainers.
Loose orthodontic appliance
Is soreness after braces or Invisalign normal?
- Eating softer foods
- Rinsing with warm salt water if your cheeks or gums are irritated
- Using orthodontic wax on areas rubbing against braces
- Following the pain-management instructions provided by your healthcare team
Contact us if pain is severe, continues to worsen, lasts longer than expected, or is accompanied by swelling or another unusual symptom.
What should I do before my orthodontic repair visit?
- Cover a poking wire or irritating bracket with orthodontic wax
- Rinse with warm salt water for minor mouth irritation
- Choose softer foods if chewing is uncomfortable
- Avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods if something is loose
- Save broken brackets or appliance pieces
- Keep damaged aligners or retainers
- Bring broken pieces with you if we ask you to come in
Why Sunnyvale patients contact Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics
Care led by your orthodontist
Dr. Gabrielle Wainwright personally oversees orthodontic treatment at Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics.
When a bracket, wire, aligner, or appliance needs attention, the goal is to restore comfort while protecting your overall treatment progress.
Learn more about Dr. Gabrielle Wainwright.
Orthodontics is our specialty
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics focuses exclusively on orthodontic care.
That includes braces, Invisalign, retainers, bite correction, and help with unexpected orthodontic problems.
Explore our orthodontic services in Sunnyvale.
Help for braces and clear aligners
Our team helps patients manage orthodontic issues such as loose brackets, irritating wires, damaged appliances, and lost aligners.
When an office visit is needed, we can determine the appropriate next step based on the problem and your treatment plan.
More than 60 years of orthodontic care in Sunnyvale
Frequently asked questions about orthodontic emergencies in Sunnyvale
What should I do first in an orthodontic emergency?
Is a broken bracket an emergency?
Contact us when it happens. We can determine whether it should be repaired promptly or whether it can wait until another scheduled visit.
What should I do if a bracket comes off completely?
How do I stop a braces wire from poking my cheek?
Can I cut a poking braces wire myself?
What should I do if I lose my Invisalign aligner?
Contact us before automatically moving to another tray. The appropriate next step depends on where you are in your aligner sequence and how long you have worn the missing tray. Keep your previous aligners unless Dr. Wainwright tells you they are no longer needed. Learn more about Invisalign in Sunnyvale.
What should I do if my Invisalign aligner cracks?
What should I do if I lose my retainer?
Contact the office promptly. Your teeth can shift when your retainer is not worn, so replacing a lost retainer quickly can help protect your orthodontic results. Learn more about retainers.
Is soreness after an orthodontic adjustment normal?
When should I go to the ER instead of the orthodontist?
Seek emergency medical care for potentially serious conditions such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant facial or jaw trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or another potentially life-threatening injury.
Problems involving loose brackets, poking wires, lost aligners, or damaged orthodontic appliances usually begin with a call to your orthodontic office.
Can I come in without calling first?
Do you offer same-day orthodontic emergency appointments?
Appointment availability depends on the problem and the office schedule. Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics offers guidance and timely visits when orthodontic issues need attention. Call or text (408) 739-4224 so the team can determine the appropriate next step.
Can you help if I am not currently a Keller & Wainwright patient?
Call or text the office and explain what you need. The team can determine whether Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics can help with your situation or direct you toward the appropriate type of care. Patients who need replacement or new retainers can also explore our retainer services.
Visit us
Serving Sunnyvale and surrounding communities with board-certified orthodontic care.
- 1301 Sunnyvale Saratoga Road, Suite 2
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 - (408) 739-4224
- Monday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday–Sunday – Closed
