Orthodontic Emergencies in San Ramon, CA
If you have a problem with braces, an aligner, or a retainer, call or text Canyon Lakes Orthodontics in San Ramon at (925) 735-1515 to reach Dr. Jenée Kaplan or the on-call staff member, including after hours. Facial injury, swelling, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing needs 911 or an emergency room first.
Dr. Jenée Kaplan, DDS, MS
Orthodontic residency and a Master’s degree at Loma Linda University. Member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the California Dental Association.
When should you call 911 or go to an emergency room?
These need medical care before orthodontic care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, then let the office know.
- Heavy or continuous bleeding from the mouth or face.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- A blow to the face or jaw, including a suspected broken or dislocated jaw.
- Sudden severe pain with facial swelling, fever, or other signs of infection.
Which orthodontic problems need a call now, and which can wait?
Call or text the office now
- An appliance, band, or wire is loose or broken and you cannot make it comfortable.
- A wire is poking and wax does not cover it.
- An aligner or retainer is lost, cracked, sharp, or no longer fits.
- Pain that over-the-counter pain relief and soft food do not settle.
Usually fine until the next business day
- Soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted.
- A bracket that has come loose but is still on the wire, once it is comfortable.
- A wire end that rubs but is covered by orthodontic wax.
If you are not sure which list a problem belongs on, call or text and ask. Dr. Kaplan or the on-call staff member can be reached after hours.
What can you do at home until you reach the office?
A poking or loose wire
Use a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If it will not move comfortably, cover the end with orthodontic wax. Do not cut the wire yourself; call or text the office so it can be fixed.
A loose bracket
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, gently slide it back toward the center of the tooth and hold it with a small piece of wax. Avoid hard and sticky foods, and let the office know, because a loose bracket is not moving that tooth.
A loose band or appliance
Leave it alone rather than trying to force it back. If it comes out completely, keep it in a small container and bring it to the office.
A permanent tooth knocked out
Contact a dentist right away; the sooner the tooth is seen, the better its chance. Hold it only by the crown, never the root, and do not scrub it or let it dry out. Gently place it back in its socket and bite on gauze, or keep it in a little milk or saliva on the way. If there is also a head injury or the jaw will not close, go to an emergency room.
A lost or broken aligner or retainer
Do not keep wearing an aligner or retainer that is sharp, painful, or badly bent. Call or text the office for a replacement, since teeth can start to shift without one. Keep the broken piece and bring it with you.
Soreness and mouth sores
Choose soft foods, rinse with warm salt water, put wax over anything that rubs, and use over-the-counter pain relief as the label directs. Soreness after an adjustment usually eases within a few days.
More on day-to-day care in the guides to living with braces, clear aligners, and retainers.
Questions about orthodontic emergencies
Is a loose bracket an emergency?
Usually not. If it is still on the wire and comfortable, cover it with wax and call or text the office to arrange a repair. Tell the office promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
Can I reach the orthodontist after hours?
Yes. Call or text (925) 735-1515 to reach Dr. Kaplan or the on-call staff member, including after hours. For a facial injury, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing, call 911 first.
What should I do if I lose my aligner or retainer?
Call or text the office for a replacement. Do not wear a damaged tray that is sharp or bent. Teeth can shift without a retainer, so a prompt replacement is a much smaller problem than a late one.
Office hours, directions, and parking are on the contact page.
Where can you read independent guidance?
Why we say this
These independent patient resources support the general information on this page. An examination and diagnostic records determine what applies to an individual case.
Why patients choose Canyon Lakes Orthodontics
Care
Cost
Not an emergency? Plan your next step
Canyon Lakes Orthodontics is on the east side of San Ramon. A consultation covers what is actually going on, which treatments apply, and what each one costs.