Orthodontic Emergencies

A loose wire, a broken bracket, or a lost aligner can be uncomfortable and worrying, especially when it happens outside of a scheduled appointment. Orthodontic emergencies are unplanned issues with braces, aligners, or other appliances that need prompt attention to keep treatment on track and prevent injury to the mouth. Our team can evaluate these situations and help you decide on next steps.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Poking or broken wires — a wire that has shifted or snapped and is irritating the cheek or gum.
Loose or broken brackets — a bracket that has detached from a tooth.
Lost or damaged aligners or retainers — a missing or cracked appliance that affects treatment progress.
Appliance-related soft tissue irritation — sores or discomfort caused by rubbing hardware.
Traumatic dental injuries — a knocked or shifted tooth affecting an appliance already in place.

How We Help

Our orthodontists work with fixed appliances, clear aligners, and temporary anchorage devices, and can assess whether a wire needs adjusting, a bracket needs rebonding, or an appliance needs replacing. Digital X-rays help us check the position of teeth and appliances when needed, and any necessary appliance adjustments are made on-site so your treatment plan can continue with as little disruption as possible.

When to Call

If an appliance is causing pain, cutting into soft tissue, or has broken in a way that affects how it fits, reach out to your office so we can guide you on whether you should come in right away or manage the issue at home until your next visit.