Broken oral appliances can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a serious dental emergency. Whether it’s a cracked retainer, a damaged night guard, or a broken dental bridge, knowing how to handle the situation is crucial to preventing discomfort, infection, or long-term dental issues.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we understand the urgency that comes with broken dental appliances. This guide outlines the most common oral appliance emergencies and provides step-by-step instructions on what to do if you or a loved one experiences one. Acting quickly and correctly can minimize pain, prevent further damage, and protect your oral health.
What Are Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are custom-made dental devices designed to correct, support, or protect your teeth and jaw. They include:
Retainers (after orthodontic treatment)
Night guards (for teeth grinding or TMJ)
Dental bridges or crowns
Partial or full dentures
Sports mouthguards
Orthodontic devices like aligners or spacers
Because these appliances are often used daily, damage can interfere with basic functions like eating, speaking, or sleeping. Some broken appliances even pose a choking hazard or can cut into soft tissues.
Common Oral Appliance Emergencies
Understanding what qualifies as an emergency helps you respond appropriately. Some of the most common broken appliance situations include:
Cracked or fractured retainers
Broken or dislodged crowns and bridges
Sharp edges from cracked dentures
Warped or misshapen night guards
Lost dental appliances
Damaged clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
Each case requires a unique approach depending on the type of appliance and severity of the breakage.
1. Broken or Cracked Retainers
Retainers are delicate and can easily snap or crack, especially if dropped or exposed to heat.
What to do:
Stop wearing the retainer if it’s cracked, warped, or uncomfortable
Store the broken piece in a clean case
Avoid DIY fixes like superglueit can be toxic and damage the appliance
Contact your dentist immediately for replacement or repair
Delaying treatment can cause your teeth to shift, especially after recent orthodontic work. It’s best to address this within 2448 hours.
2. Damaged Night Guards
Night guards are worn to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) or clenching during sleep. If yours becomes cracked or warped, it may no longer protect your teethand could even cause further damage.
Emergency steps:
Discontinue use to avoid irritation or injury
Keep the broken pieces and bring them to your dentist
Schedule a prompt dental appointment for assessment and replacement
If you wake up with tooth pain or jaw soreness, you may already be experiencing the effects of bruxism. A broken night guard should be replaced quickly to protect against tooth wear or TMJ disorders.
3. Loose or Broken Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and dental bridges are permanent fixtures designed to restore damaged or missing teeth. However, they can come loose or break due to trauma, decay under the crown, or even chewing hard foods.
Steps to follow:
If the crown or bridge is fully detached, rinse and store it in a safe container
Do not attempt to reattach it with household glue or adhesives
Use temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) only if absolutely necessary and only as a short-term fix
Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth
Contact McLevin Dental Clinic as soon as possible for emergency restoration
Delaying care can expose the underlying tooth to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection or tooth fracture.
4. Cracked or Sharp-Edged Dentures
Dentures are durable but can crack if dropped or handled improperly. Even small fractures can create sharp edges that irritate or cut oral tissues.
What you should do:
Stop wearing the denture immediately if its painful or unstable
Rinse and store the broken denture in a denture case
Avoid trying to bend or adjust the appliance on your own
Book an emergency dental appointment to have it repaired or relined
Poorly fitting or broken dentures can lead to ulcers, infections, and difficulty eating or speaking. Prompt repair ensures continued comfort and oral function.
5. Lost or Damaged Clear Aligners
Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) can warp, crack, or go missing. Losing even one tray can delay your orthodontic progress and affect alignment.
What to do if an aligner is damaged or lost:
Move on to the next tray only if approved by your dentist
Never skip ahead without guidanceit can cause improper tooth movement
Keep your previous tray in case you need to wear it temporarily
Contact your provider to order a replacement or modify your treatment plan
Replacing lost or damaged aligners quickly ensures your treatment stays on track.
Preventing Oral Appliance Emergencies
While not all accidents are avoidable, you can reduce the risk of damaging your dental appliances with the following tips:
Always store appliances in a protective case when not in use
Avoid exposing them to hot water or heat sources
Do not chew on hard or sticky foods while wearing appliances
Clean appliances with dentist-approved methods only
Remove oral devices before contact sports or high-risk activities
Visit McLevin Dental Clinic for regular checkups and appliance evaluations
Proper care and handling significantly extend the life of your dental devices and minimize emergency visits.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
You should contact McLevin Dental Clinic for emergency care if:
A dental appliance causes pain or cuts inside your mouth
A crown, bridge, or implant becomes loose or falls out
You’re unable to eat or speak due to the broken appliance
The broken piece poses a choking hazard
You experience gum swelling, bleeding, or infection symptoms
We offer same-day emergency appointments to restore your appliance, repair damage, and keep your oral health on track.
Final Thoughts
Oral appliances play a vital role in maintaining your dental health, from protecting your teeth to supporting proper alignment and function. When these devices break or fail, timely and appropriate action prevents further complications and ensures your treatment plan continues uninterrupted.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we specialize in the repair, replacement, and emergency care of broken oral appliances. Whether its a cracked retainer or a dislodged bridge, our team is ready to provide fast, effective solutions tailored to your needs.