Orthodontic Emergencies

TW Orthodontics provides emergency orthodontics in Andalusia, Enterprise, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama. Contact us at your preferred location in the case of an urgent orthodontic need. If your emergency is severe or life-threatening, call 911 or proceed to your nearest hospital emergency department.

What Is Emergency Orthodontics?

Emergency orthodontics refers to any problem with your braces or appliances that is urgent. For example, if a wire is broken and protruding causing severe pain or you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to an orthodontic appliance, it would be considered an emergency. Contact us right away and we will determine the best course of action according to the severity of the situation.

Most orthodontic emergencies are not urgent, but should not wait until your next appointment. If you have a wire that is causing discomfort, a bracket has come off, a spacer has fallen out, or your retainer is broken, contact us during regular office hours and we will see you as soon as possible.

If you have a dental emergency such as a damaged tooth or severe toothache, contact your primary dentist. In the case of a severe or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Procedures Offered

We provide the following emergency services when necessary:

Reattach brackets: When a bracket comes off of a tooth, we can reattach it quickly and easily.
Replace bands: If you have a band that comes off a back tooth, we can put it back in place for you.
Repair or replace retainers: Retainers may get damaged or lost. We will repair your retainer if possible, or replace it if necessary.
Fix protruding wires: If you have a wire that is protruding and irritating your mouth, we can bend it back into place or replace it with a new wire.

In the meantime, while you wait for your appointment, you can relieve irritation from protruding wires with orthodontic wax. Keep any pieces of your orthodontic appliances that come off and bring them with you to your appointment.

Why Choose TW Orthodontics?

At TW Orthodontics we understand that orthodontic emergencies happen and that they can cause great discomfort. We will address your situation as soon as possible according to the urgency. Please do not hesitate to contact us when there is a problem. We will make you a priority because treating orthodontic emergencies promptly is important for your health and the success of your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my child swallows a piece of orthodontic equipment?

In this case, you have a true emergency. If the child is conscious and breathing, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department. If the child is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call 911.

Can I cut or bend wires myself if they are causing a problem?

It is not usually a good idea to try and bend or cut the wires or any other part of your braces or orthodontic appliance. It is easy to slip and cause mouth injury or do further damage to your orthodontic equipment. Please just give us a call and we will advise you on what to do.

Why can’t broken or loose parts wait until my next appointment?

The problem with a loose bracket or a broken wire is that it can affect your treatment. It can slow down your progress or even cause the teeth to shift incorrectly. If you wait a few weeks before getting it taken care of, you may have significantly delayed your treatment timeline.

How can I prevent orthodontic emergencies?

The best way to prevent orthodontic emergencies is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions at all times, especially when it comes to eating. There are certain foods that are more likely to cause damage to your braces or appliances, and if you eat them anyway, you are significantly increasing your risk of breaking or bending something.

Have an orthodontic emergency that needs attention? Contact us right away at your closest TW Orthodontics location.