Your Go-To Guide for Aligner or Braces Emergencies
Knowing when to call your orthodontist for aligner or braces issues can prevent setbacks. This guide helps you identify true emergencies versus normal discomfort.
Whether you’re in clear aligners or traditional braces, minor discomfort is normal. But if you're experiencing intense pain, persistent bleeding, or a broken appliance, it's crucial to know when to seek professional help. This quick guide will help you decide when to ride it out and when to pick up the phone.
🚨 If You’re in Significant Pain or Bleeding
Some discomfort is part of the process, but if you’re experiencing intense pain, prolonged bleeding, or swelling, it’s time to call.
Signs you should contact your orthodontist:
- A sharp or broken wire cutting your mouth
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes
- Swollen gums or signs of infection
- A cracked aligner causing tongue or gum injuries
💬 Clear aligner users (like those with NewSmile) rarely experience bleeding, but sudden pain may point to a fit issue or the need for a refinement tray.
🦷 If Your Aligners or Braces Break or Don’t Fit
A loose bracket or a damaged tray can interrupt your treatment if not addressed quickly. Here's when it's time to call:
For braces:
- Bracket has come off and is still attached to the wire
- Wire is sticking out and irritating your cheeks or tongue
- Bands or wires feel significantly out of place
For aligners:
- Aligners are cracked and no longer fit snugly
- You've lost a tray and don’t know whether to move forward or backward
- You’ve tried chewies and DIY fixes, and your aligner still won’t seat
🛠 NewSmile customers are encouraged to keep their previous and next aligners just in case a replacement is needed.
📅 If You Miss a Tray Switch or Appointment
Life happens—and sometimes, appointments or tray switches get delayed. But missing too many days can slow your treatment or cause teeth to shift improperly.
Call your orthodontist if:
- You’ve missed more than 3 days of aligner wear
- You’ve delayed a tray switch and aren’t sure if you should resume
- You need a new timeline for wearing or refitting a tray
📆 Staying on schedule is key to achieving the results you want—and your provider can help you reset without derailing progress.
🧭 If You’re Unsure—Ask Anyway
When in doubt, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right or you're anxious about a change in your treatment, it's completely okay to reach out.
You should never hesitate to ask about:
- Unexpected gaps or movement
- Aligner irritation that doesn’t go away
- Questions about rubber bands or attachments
- Confusion about your next steps
📩 At NewSmile, we believe proactive care leads to better outcomes. Our customer support is always here to offer guidance—whether it's a quick question or something more serious.
Final Thought
Not every bump on your smile journey needs an emergency call—but some definitely do. Use this guide to help you know when to wait it out and when to pick up the phone.
✨ Whether you’re dealing with an **aligner emergency** or a **braces issue**, don’t second-guess your comfort. Your smile deserves expert care—and with NewSmile or your orthodontist by your side, you’re in good hands.
