Repairs and adjustments
A bracket can come loose or a wire can poke between visits. This page says what to do, and when to call us.
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
What happens
A repair is usually a short visit at either office.
- 01
Step 1: Call us
Tell the front desk what you feel and which tooth it is. We'll say whether it can wait for your next visit.
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Step 2: A quick fix at home
A bit of orthodontic wax over a poking wire helps. We can tell you what to do until you come in.
- 03
Step 3: The repair visit
The orthodontist re-attaches a bracket or trims a wire, usually in a short visit.
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Step 4: Back on schedule
A repair can change how long treatment takes, and we'll tell you if it does.
Adjustment visits are booked ahead; repairs fit in where we can.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
A loose wire or bracket can rub your lip or cheek. Wax and a salt-water rinse help until you're seen.
If you wait
A bracket that stays loose doesn't move your teeth. A wire that pokes can cut your cheek. Don't wait if it hurts or you can't eat.
Risks and after-care
Don't bend a wire or pull off a bracket yourself. Keep any piece that comes off and bring it with you.
How it's billed
The fee is in your written estimate before treatment. With insurance, we file claims for plans that cover orthodontics; paying yourself or with a payment plan, you get an itemized receipt. No price is on this website.
How fees work
Questions about repairs and adjustments
Is a broken bracket an emergency?
Almost never. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that spreads, call 911. For anything else, call us.
What do I do about a poking wire?
Cover it with orthodontic wax and call us. Please don't cut it yourself.
Will a repair cost extra?
It depends on the cause. We tell you before we start, and your estimate says what's included in routine adjustments.
Call us if something breaks
Provided by Dr. Sachiko Goto or Dr. Dayana Arteaga, orthodontists. Our practice is limited to orthodontics.