Winter break in Los Angeles means holiday gatherings, travel, and unexpected changes in routine — which can make orthodontic emergencies more likely. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, eating holiday treats, or visiting family across California, knowing how to respond quickly when something goes wrong can save your smile journey from delays or discomfort.
Below is a practical guide for handling common orthodontic emergencies at home — and when you should reach out to your orthodontist.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies Over Winter Break
During holiday meals, travel, sports or while relaxing at home, several orthodontic issues may arise:
- Broken or loose brackets or bands
- Poking or protruding wires
- Lost or broken retainers or aligner trays
- Dislodged elastics, ligatures or attachments
- Mouth sores or irritation from appliance parts
Many of these problems are more common when routines are disrupted, or when you indulge in hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.
Quick First Aid: What You Can Do Immediately
For a broken bracket or detached band
- If the bracket is still attached to the wire and isn’t causing irritation — leave it in place.
- If it’s loose or causing soreness, cover it with orthodontic wax to protect your lips or cheeks.
- Save any pieces you find and bring them to your next appointment.
For a poking, bent, or sharp wire
- Try gently pushing the wire back toward the teeth using the eraser end of a clean pencil, a cotton swab, or a clean fingernail.
- If it still irritates — cover it with wax for comfort.
- As a last resort, a clean, disinfected nail clipper can be used to carefully trim only the protruding portion (if safe to do so).
For lost or broken aligners or retainers
- If you have a backup retainer or aligner, use that temporarily.
- If you do not, call your orthodontist ASAP to request a replacement — delayed wear can lead to unwanted tooth shifting.
For irritation, soreness, or minor cuts
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) a few times a day to reduce inflammation.
- Use orthodontic wax on any parts rubbing against your mouth.
- Over-the-counter pain relief (per label) may help — but if pain or swelling worsens or persists, contact your orthodontist.
For lost elastics or ligatures
- If you have replacements, reattach them per your orthodontist’s instructions.
- If not — contact your orthodontist to get replacements before your next scheduled visit. Avoid skipping elastic wear for extended periods.
When You Should Contact Your Orthodontist Immediately
Some situations require prompt professional attention, especially if they involve pain, risk of damage, or could delay your treatment significantly. You should reach out to your orthodontist if you experience:
- Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding that doesn’t subside with home care
- A broken wire or bracket that’s completely detached and causing mouth injury or significant discomfort
- Lost or irreparably damaged aligners or retainers — as waiting too long can compromise your treatment progress
- Trauma to the mouth or teeth that impacts braces, aligners, or oral health overall
If you’re unsure — it’s better to call and get advice than to wait and risk bigger problems.
Holiday-Ready Emergency Kit: What to Keep on Hand
To stay prepared during winter break (or any busy season), consider putting together a small “Orthodontic Emergency Kit” — what you’ll need:
- Small travel toothbrush and floss or floss picks
- Orthodontic wax
- Clean nail clipper or cuticle scissors (optional — for trimming wires carefully)
- Cotton swabs or a clean pencil eraser (for gently repositioning wires)
- A small mirror (helpful for self-inspection)
- A labeled retainer or aligner case (for safe storage — not a napkin!)
Having this kit on hand — especially while traveling or visiting family — can help you manage most issues until you can return to your orthodontist.
Preventing Emergencies While Celebrating
Preventative care is the best defense. During holiday gatherings or winter celebrations in Los Angeles:
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods — especially if you have braces.
- Use a mouthguard if playing sports or engaging in physical activity.
- Stay diligent with brushing and flossing, even when routines change.
- Keep your aligners or retainer in their case whenever you remove them.
Final Thoughts — Stay Prepared & Keep Smiling
Winter break should be a time of joy, family, and fun — not added stress from unexpected orthodontic problems. With a little awareness, a basic emergency kit, and quick action when issues arise, you can manage most orthodontic emergencies with confidence.
Need help navigating an orthodontic emergency this season? The team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics is ready to support you — with offices across Los Angeles, we’re here to help keep your treatment on track so you can enjoy the holidays with a worry-free smile.