Something not right?
Here is what to do.
A poking wire, a loose bracket or a lost retainer can feel alarming, but most orthodontic problems are minor and easily sorted. Here is how to make yourself comfortable now, and exactly when to call us.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviews · Specialist orthodontist · Newmarket, Auckland · We keep time aside for urgent fixes
Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
What to do until we see you
Tap any problem below for simple, safe steps. When in doubt, call us on (09) 520 1880, we would always rather hear from you early than have you worry.
A wire is poking my cheek. What do I do?
This is common and rarely serious. Gently push the wire flat with the clean eraser end of a pencil, or cover the sharp end with a small piece of orthodontic wax, or sugar-free chewing gum in a pinch. Do not cut the wire yourself. A warm salt water rinse soothes any rubbing. Then call us on (09) 520 1880 and we will book a quick fix.
A bracket has come loose or fallen off. Is that urgent?
Usually not urgent. If the bracket is still threaded on the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax if it rubs. If it has come off completely, keep it somewhere safe and bring it to your next visit. Call us on (09) 520 1880 so we can decide whether to bring your appointment forward.
I have lost or broken my retainer. What should I do?
Call us promptly, because teeth can begin to shift within days without a retainer. If the retainer is broken and sharp, stop wearing it. If it still fits safely, keep wearing it until we see you. Replacements are quick and straightforward, and acting early can save you from needing treatment again. See our retainers and replacements page for more.
My braces are rubbing and I have mouth ulcers.
New braces often rub while your mouth toughens up over a week or two. Cover the sore spot with orthodontic wax, rinse with warm salt water a few times a day, and a gel from the pharmacy for mouth ulcers can help. If a sore does not heal after two weeks, give us a call.
My teeth are sore after an adjustment. Is that normal?
Yes, some tenderness for a few days after braces are tightened or a new set of aligners goes in is completely normal, it means things are moving. Stick to softer foods, rinse with warm salt water, and the same over-the-counter pain relief you would take for a headache helps. It settles within a few days.
I have knocked, loosened or broken a tooth. Who do I call?
A knocked, loosened or badly broken tooth is a genuine dental emergency, not just an orthodontic one, and time matters. See a dentist or an emergency dental service as soon as possible. If a tooth has been knocked out, hold it by the crown, not the root, keep it in milk or saliva, and get seen urgently. Tell us as soon as you can too, so we can adjust your treatment.
When to get urgent help, and who to call
Most orthodontic problems can wait for a call to us during clinic hours. Some things should not wait:
For a serious medical emergency, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department. For an urgent dental problem after hours, contact an emergency dental service. For health advice any time, Healthline is free on 0800 611 116. For anything to do with your braces, aligners or retainers, call us on (09) 520 1880 during clinic hours and we will help.
Already a Milk patient, or not yet?
If you are in treatment with us, never hesitate to call, that is exactly what we are here for, and there is no such thing as a silly question. If you are not our patient yet but something is bothering you, we are still happy to point you in the right direction, and when you are ready, the first step is a free Smile Assessment.
Not sure what to do? Just call us.
During clinic hours, call (09) 520 1880 and talk to a real person. We keep time aside every day for genuine urgent fixes, and we would always rather see you early.
Visiting us? Our Newmarket clinic page has location, parking and hours.