Something's broken. We'll see you promptly.
Orthodontic emergencies are rarely dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and — if left unattended — can add time to your treatment. Call us and we will assess the situation and get you in as soon as possible.
For urgent orthodontic concerns, call us directly
(08) 6288 7188Mon–Fri 8am–5pm • Unit 7/355 Stirling Highway, Claremont
What to do while you wait for your appointment.
Poking wire
Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end — your care kit from our practice includes a supply. Press a small piece firmly over the wire. Do not attempt to cut the wire at home. Call us to arrange a repair appointment at our Claremont practice.
Broken or loose bracket
Leave the bracket in position if it is still attached to the wire. Avoid hard and sticky foods until it is rebonded. If the bracket is completely detached and on a piece of wire, bring it with you to your appointment. Contact us within 24–48 hours to book a repair.
Lost or broken aligner
Move to your previous set of aligners while you wait for guidance from us. Wearing no aligner for an extended period risks movement. Contact our Claremont practice and we will advise whether to revert to a previous tray or progress to the next set while a replacement is made.
Lost retainer
Contact us as soon as possible. Time matters — the longer you are without a retainer, the greater the risk of movement. If your digital records are on file, we can arrange a replacement retainer efficiently without a new impression appointment.
General soreness or discomfort
Mild soreness after brace adjustments or the start of a new aligner set is normal and usually settles within 2–3 days. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if you tolerate these) can help. Soft foods during this period will reduce biting forces on tender teeth. If you have a wire or appliance causing a sore spot that wax cannot manage, call us.
We triage over the phone and give you immediate first-aid advice before your appointment. Mon–Fri 8am–5pm.
Genuine emergencies and urgent repairs are prioritised. We aim to see patients with active concerns within 1–3 business days.
You don't need to be a current patient to call. If you have an orthodontic concern in Perth, we will help where we can.
Frequently asked questions about orthodontic emergencies.
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
True emergencies are situations causing significant pain, injury to soft tissue, or that prevent you from eating or speaking normally. These are uncommon. Most issues — a broken bracket, a slightly loose wire, a lost aligner — are urgent but not emergencies. They should be addressed promptly to avoid delays to your treatment, but they are not medical crises. Call our Claremont practice and we will triage the situation and advise you over the phone.
A wire is poking my cheek. What should I do?
A poking wire is one of the most common issues during brace treatment. As an immediate measure, you can use a small piece of orthodontic wax (or in a pinch, a piece of soft sugar-free gum) to cover the sharp end and protect your cheek. If the wire can be gently pushed back with a clean cotton bud or the eraser end of a pencil, you can try this carefully. Do not attempt to cut the wire yourself. Contact our Claremont practice on Stirling Highway to arrange a repair appointment as soon as possible.
A bracket has come off one of my teeth. Is this serious?
A detached bracket is not a medical emergency, but it should be seen and repaired promptly so your treatment timeline stays on track. In the meantime, leave the bracket in place if it is still attached to the wire, and contact us to book a repair appointment. Avoid hard or sticky foods until the bracket is rebonded. We aim to see patients with broken brackets at our Claremont practice within a few days.
I've lost my retainer. What should I do?
Contact us as soon as possible. The longer your teeth are without a retainer, the higher the risk of movement. If we have your most recent digital scan on file, we can fabricate a replacement retainer without the need for a new impression. If you have moved to Perth from another city and your previous orthodontist has your records, contact them to arrange a scan transfer. In the interim, avoid anything that might accelerate movement.
Can I come in if I'm not a current patient but have an orthodontic emergency?
Yes. If you are in Claremont, Cottesloe, Nedlands, Subiaco, or anywhere else in Perth's western suburbs and have an urgent orthodontic concern, we will do our best to see you promptly. Call us on (08) 6288 7188 and describe the situation. We will advise whether you need to be seen immediately or whether self-care measures can manage it until a proper appointment.
Something's not right. Give us a call.
Don't sit on an orthodontic problem. A quick call to our Claremont practice on Stirling Highway will get you triaged and booked in without delay.