Orthodontic Support — Get Expert Help Online

A broken bracket or snapped wire is rarely a dental emergency, so the first step is to report it using the form above and upload a clear photo of the affected area. A registered clinician reviews the photo and advises whether you need an urgent repair appointment or can wait until your next scheduled visit. While you are waiting, cover any sharp bracket or wire end with orthodontic wax from a pharmacy, and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods so the brace is not damaged further.

Yes — the support tool is open to people who have not started orthodontic treatment as well as to existing brace wearers. Select "No, I'm exploring options" and describe what is concerning you about your teeth or bite. A registered clinician reviews your description and any photos you upload, then explains which treatment options might suit your case and what a realistic next step looks like. You do not need an existing relationship with a practice to submit an enquiry.

Clinicians typically review support requests within 24 hours on working days, and you will receive an email notification as soon as a reply has been posted. Requests submitted late in the evening, at weekends, or over bank holidays are usually picked up on the next working day. If your symptoms get worse while you are waiting — for example severe pain, facial swelling, or bleeding that does not stop — do not wait for the reply. Contact your own practice, NHS 111, or an emergency dental service straight away.

No — you do not need to be registered with a practice before submitting a request. An account is created for you as part of the process, which gives you somewhere to track your enquiry, read the clinician's reply, and send follow-up messages or extra photos if your situation changes. People partway through treatment can use it to report a problem between appointments, and people who have not started treatment can use it to ask about their options.

Focus on the affected area — a close-up of the broken bracket, the protruding wire, or the specific teeth you are concerned about. The form prompts you with exactly which photos are needed based on the issue type you select, so you do not have to guess. Take them in good natural daylight, gently pull your lip or cheek back so the area is fully visible, and tap the screen to focus before shooting. Clear images mean the reviewing clinician can advise on urgency without asking you to retake anything.

No — this form is for non-urgent orthodontic issues such as a broken bracket, a poking wire, a lost or damaged retainer, or general discomfort after an adjustment. It is not monitored around the clock and should not be used for anything needing same-day care. For severe pain, facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any injury to the mouth or face, contact NHS 111, your GP, or your local emergency dental service immediately rather than waiting for a reply here.