Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Children can be assessed while their teeth and jaws are still developing, but assessment does not always mean immediate treatment.
Call emergency services for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling of the mouth or face, or a severe allergic reaction.
These are not typical effects of malocclusion itself.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your orthodontic service promptly if:
a wire is cutting the cheek and cannot be made comfortable
a bracket, band, retainer, or other appliance becomes loose
an appliance stops fitting properly
pain is severe, persistent, or linked to a damaged tooth
the gums become very swollen or bleed repeatedly
you lose or break a retainer
Seek urgent dental or medical care after a significant facial injury, especially if a tooth is displaced, the jaw will not close normally, or bleeding does not stop.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine dental or orthodontic appointment if you are concerned about crowding, spacing, prominent teeth, an uneven bite, or difficulty cleaning or chewing.
A broken brace is not usually an emergency, but it should be reported so the team can advise whether it needs an earlier appointment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Malocclusion and orthodontics. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.