Orthodontic treatment is designed to be safe, predictable, and comfortable—but occasionally, unexpected issues can happen. A loose bracket, a poking wire, or a lost aligner can feel stressful, especially if it happens after hours or on a weekend. The good news is that most orthodontic emergencies are manageable and rarely serious.
At Whitehead Orthodontics, Dr. Jim Whitehead and our Lexington, SC team want patients and parents to feel confident knowing what qualifies as an orthodontic emergency, what can be handled at home, and when it’s best to contact our office for care. Understanding these situations ahead of time can help you stay calm and protect your progress throughout treatment.
What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is any issue related to braces or aligners that causes pain, discomfort, or interferes with treatment. While true emergencies are rare, certain situations do require prompt attention from your orthodontist.
Common orthodontic emergencies include:
A loose or broken bracket
A wire poking the cheek or gums
Lost or broken aligners
Severe discomfort or swelling
Trauma to the mouth during treatment
Knowing how to respond can prevent further irritation and keep your treatment on track.
Common Orthodontic Issues and What to Do
Loose or Broken Brackets
A bracket can become loose if you eat hard or sticky foods or experience accidental trauma. If the bracket is still attached to the wire and not causing discomfort, it’s usually safe to leave it in place until your next visit.
What you can do:
Use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation
Avoid touching or twisting the bracket
Call our office to schedule a repair
If the bracket comes completely off, save it if possible and bring it with you to your appointment.
Poking or Broken Wires
Wires can sometimes shift or break, causing them to poke the inside of the cheek, lips, or gums. This is one of the most common reasons patients feel discomfort during braces treatment.
What you can do:
Apply orthodontic wax to the wire
Gently use a clean pencil eraser to push the wire inward
Rinse with warm salt water if irritation occurs
If the wire continues to cause pain or cannot be adjusted safely, contact Whitehead Orthodontics for assistance.
Lost or Broken Clear Aligners
If you’re wearing Invisalign, Spark Aligners, or custom clear aligners, losing or cracking a tray can feel concerning. Aligners are designed to be worn in sequence, so missing one may affect progress.
What you can do:
Wear your previous aligner if advised
Move forward to the next aligner only if directed by Dr. Whitehead
Contact our office for guidance
Because we offer advanced aligner solutions, including in-house options, replacement aligners can often be addressed efficiently.
Discomfort or Soreness After Adjustments
Mild soreness after braces adjustments or switching aligners is normal and not considered an emergency. This usually lasts a few days as teeth begin to move.
Helpful tips:
Eat soft foods
Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
Apply cold compresses for comfort
If pain becomes severe or lasts longer than expected, we encourage you to reach out to our team.
What Is Not an Orthodontic Emergency?
Some issues may feel urgent but do not require immediate care. These include:
Mild pressure or soreness
Minor irritation that improves with wax
Food caught between brackets
Slight aligner tightness
These concerns can usually wait until your next scheduled appointment unless discomfort worsens.
When to Call Your Orthodontist Immediately
You should contact Whitehead Orthodontics right away if you experience:
Significant swelling
Persistent bleeding
Trauma to the face or mouth
Severe pain that does not improve
Broken appliances causing injury
Our Lexington team is always here to help guide you and determine the next best step.
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
While accidents happen, many orthodontic issues are preventable with a few simple habits.
Prevention tips include:
Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods
Wearing a mouthguard during sports
Brushing and flossing carefully around braces
Following aligner wear instructions closely
Keeping all scheduled orthodontic appointments
Patients who follow care guidelines typically experience fewer interruptions and smoother treatment overall.
Why Having a Local Orthodontist Matters
Choosing a local orthodontist in Lexington, SC means help is never far away. When emergencies arise, quick access to familiar care can make all the difference. At Whitehead Orthodontics, patients appreciate:
Fast response times
Personalized care from the same orthodontist
A team that knows their treatment plan
Convenient scheduling and location
We believe peace of mind is an important part of the orthodontic experience.
What to Expect When You Visit for an Emergency
When you come in for an orthodontic emergency, our team will:
Assess the issue
Provide immediate relief
Repair or replace damaged components
Ensure your treatment stays on track
Dr. Whitehead’s goal is always to resolve the issue efficiently while keeping your smile moving forward.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Orthodontic emergencies can feel overwhelming, but you’re never alone. Whether you’re wearing braces, Invisalign, Spark Aligners, or custom clear aligners, our team is committed to your comfort and confidence throughout treatment.
If you’re currently in treatment or considering orthodontic care and want a team you can trust, Whitehead Orthodontics in Lexington, SC is here for you.
📲 Click “Start My Smile” today to schedule your free consultation or to connect with our team.
Your smile is our priority—every step of the way.
