After Hours Care
We're here when you need us—but most issues can wait until morning
Don't Panic—True Orthodontic Emergencies Are Rare!
Here's some reassuring news: genuine orthodontic emergencies are extremely uncommon. Most issues that occur outside office hours—like a poking wire or loose bracket—are minor inconveniences that can easily wait until the next business day.
We've designed this guide to help you distinguish between true emergencies and common issues, plus provide simple solutions you can use at home for immediate comfort. When in doubt, we're always just a phone call away!
Your Convenience Is Our Priority
We understand that life doesn't always happen during office hours. That's why we provide clear guidance and support for handling minor issues at home, so you can feel confident and comfortable until we see you.
Our Promise: If you call our office with a concern, we'll walk you through exactly what to do and schedule you for a quick repair appointment if needed—often the same day or next day!
Understanding Urgency Levels
Not all issues are equal—here's how to know what requires immediate attention
True Emergencies
Call immediately
Rare situations requiring immediate attention
Minor Issues
Can wait until office hours
Most "emergencies" fall into this category
Routine Concerns
Mention at next appointment
Normal occurrences during treatment
True Emergencies (Very Rare)
These situations require immediate medical attention—call 911 or go to the ER
Severe Facial or Mouth Trauma
Injury involving significant bleeding, broken teeth, or facial swelling from impact.
ACTION REQUIRED: Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately. Call our office after you receive medical attention.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
Severe allergic reaction or swelling that affects your ability to breathe or swallow.
ACTION REQUIRED: Call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care.
Severe Infection or Abscess
Rapidly spreading swelling, fever, and severe pain indicating a serious infection.
ACTION REQUIRED: Seek immediate medical care at an emergency room. Call our office to inform us of the situation.
Important Note: These types of emergencies are extremely rare with orthodontic treatment. If they occur, they typically involve trauma from an accident rather than the orthodontic appliances themselves.
Common Issues That Can Wait
99% of after-hours concerns fall into this category—all manageable at home!
Poking Wire
Can Wait
A wire has shifted and is poking your cheek, lip, or gums.
What to Do:
Loose or Broken Bracket
Can Wait
A bracket has come loose from a tooth but is still attached to the wire.
What to Do:
Lost Elastic or Tie
Can Wait
A small rubber band or elastic tie has come off.
What to Do:
General Soreness or Discomfort
Normal
Teeth feel sore, especially after an adjustment.
What to Do:
Loose Band or Spacer
Can Wait
A metal band around a back tooth feels loose or a spacer fell out.
What to Do:
Lost or Broken Aligner
Can Wait
Your clear aligner is lost, cracked, or damaged.
What to Do:
Your At-Home Orthodontic Toolkit
Keep these items on hand for quick comfort and peace of mind
Orthodontic Wax
The #1 solution for poking wires and irritation. Always keep some on hand!
How to Use: Dry the area, roll a small piece into a ball, and press it over the bracket or wire.
Warm Salt Water Rinse
Soothes sore spots and promotes healing of minor irritation.
How to Use: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz warm water. Swish for 30 seconds, then spit.
Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with soreness after adjustments.
How to Use: Follow package directions. Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
Soft Foods
Give your teeth a break when they're sore—soft foods are your friend!
How to Use: Yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup, and pasta are great choices.
Clean Pencil Eraser
Can gently push a poking wire back into a more comfortable position.
How to Use: Use the clean eraser end to very gently guide the wire away from soft tissue.
Sterilized Nail Clippers
Last resort for trimming an accessible poking wire.
How to Use: Sterilize with rubbing alcohol first. Only use if you can see and reach the wire safely.
Our After-Hours Protocol
Follow these simple steps when something comes up outside office hours
1
Assess the Situation
Take a moment to evaluate whether it's a true emergency or a minor issue that can wait.
2
Try Home Remedies First
Most orthodontic issues can be temporarily managed with orthodontic wax, warm rinses, or simple adjustments.
3
Call if Truly Urgent
For true emergencies (severe trauma, infection, breathing difficulty), seek immediate medical care.
4
Contact Us in the Morning
For minor issues, call our office first thing during business hours and we'll get you in quickly.
We're Always Available for True Emergencies
While most issues can wait, we want you to feel supported 24/7. Our after-hours line connects you directly with Dr. Feller for guidance on truly urgent situations.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
After Hours Line
Available for
True Emergencies Only
For non-emergencies, leave a message and we'll call you back first thing in the morning!
You're in Good Hands!
Remember: orthodontic "emergencies" are almost never true emergencies. Most issues are minor inconveniences that we can fix quickly during regular office hours. Don't stress—we've got you covered!