Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting, but it can come with a few bumps along the way—literally. From poking wires to loose brackets, orthodontic emergencies can happen at school when parents aren’t around. The good news is that most issues aren’t true emergencies and can be handled with simple solutions until your child gets home.
At ABC Dental Chicago, we want both parents and kids to feel confident handling these situations. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies at School
While braces and aligners are designed to be durable, accidents can happen. The most common school-day orthodontic issues include:
- Poking wires – A wire shifts or bends, irritating the cheek or gums.
- Loose brackets – A bracket becomes detached from a tooth, often from eating crunchy or sticky foods.
- Lost aligners – Teens may accidentally throw them away with a lunch tray or forget them in a gym bag.
- General soreness – Especially after an adjustment, braces can make teeth feel tender during the day.
Quick Fixes Kids Can Use at School
Poking Wires
- Encourage your child to carry a small container of orthodontic wax in their backpack.
- If a wire pokes, they can place a small ball of wax over the end to stop irritation.
- Rinsing with water can also soothe sore spots until they get home.
Loose Brackets
- If a bracket comes loose but is still attached to the wire, it’s usually not painful.
- Your child can leave it in place and cover it with wax if it causes irritation.
- Remind them not to play with it or try to remove it on their own.
Lost Aligners
- If an aligner is misplaced, have your teen wear their previous set until you can contact our office.
- Encourage them to keep a sturdy retainer case in their backpack to avoid losing trays at lunch or sports practice.
General Soreness
- Suggest your child drink cold water to relieve tenderness.
- If needed, they can wait until home for an over-the-counter pain reliever approved by you.
How Parents Can Prepare Kids for Success
The best way to handle school-day orthodontic issues is to plan ahead. Parents can:
- Pack an orthodontic care kit – Include travel toothbrush, floss picks, orthodontic wax, and a small mirror.
- Teach your child what’s an emergency – Most issues can wait until after school, but if there’s severe pain or injury, call our office right away.
- Review braces-safe foods – Remind your child to skip crunchy chips, sticky candies, and hard pretzels in the cafeteria.
When to Call the Orthodontist
Not every orthodontic issue requires an immediate visit, but you should call our office if:
- A bracket is completely broken or missing
- A wire is causing significant pain that can’t be managed with wax
- Aligners are lost and a backup set isn’t available
- Your child experiences swelling, bleeding, or trauma to the mouth
At ABC Dental Chicago, we’re always here to guide you through next steps.
Keeping Smiles on Track
Orthodontic emergencies at school can be stressful for kids, but with preparation, most situations are easy to manage. By equipping your child with the right tools and knowledge, you’ll give them the confidence to handle minor issues until they get home.
If your child is currently in braces or aligner treatment, now is the perfect time to put together a small school kit and review these tips together. And if an urgent issue arises, remember—ABC Dental Chicago is only a call away.
Keep Your Child’s Smile School-Ready with ABC Dental Chicago
At ABC Dental, we’re here to make sure your child’s smile is healthy, protected, and ready for anything this school year brings. From braces adjustments to mouthguard fittings, we provide complete care for kids and teens in the Chicago area.
Book your back-to-school dental visit today and start the year with a smile.
Whether you’re in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, or beyond, we’d love to help your child build a healthy, confident smile.
Call us at 773‑481‑2200 for your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
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