Braces, wires, and appliances are built to be durable—but that doesn’t mean surprises can’t happen along the way. If you or your child is in orthodontic treatment and something suddenly feels painful, out of place, or uncomfortable, you might be wondering: Is this an emergency? And what should I do next?
At Haltom Orthodontics, we want every patient to feel confident and calm—even when the unexpected happens. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what qualifies as an orthodontic emergency, how to handle common issues at home, and when it’s time to call your orthodontist.
What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is any issue during treatment that causes significant pain, bleeding, swelling, or damage to the appliance that could delay progress or harm your teeth or gums.
While many issues can be managed at home temporarily, some situations require immediate attention. It’s always better to reach out to your orthodontist if you’re unsure—our team is here to help you assess and act quickly.
Examples of True Orthodontic Emergencies:
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away with home care
- Swollen or infected gums, lips, or cheeks
- Trauma to the face or mouth that causes bleeding, broken brackets, or tooth damage
- A wire or bracket that’s causing a wound or deeply embedded in tissue
- A broken appliance that impacts your ability to eat, speak, or function comfortably
These are rare—but when they happen, we’re prepared to help.
Common (and Fixable) Braces Issues That Aren’t Emergencies
The good news? Most orthodontic problems look or feel worse than they are—and many can be temporarily managed at home until your next scheduled appointment.
Here are a few examples:
Loose Brackets
A bracket may come detached from the tooth but stay attached to the wire. This can be annoying, but it’s usually not an emergency. You can place orthodontic wax over it to reduce irritation and call us to schedule a repair.
Poking Wires
If a wire shifts or feels sharp at the back of your mouth, try using a pencil eraser or clean cotton swab to gently push it flat against the tooth. Wax can help cover it, too. If it becomes too uncomfortable, we’ll get you in for a quick fix.
Lost Rubber Bands or Separators
While rubber bands are important for moving teeth, missing a few days won’t derail your progress. Just let us know, and we’ll guide you on whether a replacement is needed before your next visit.
Minor Soreness or Irritation
A little discomfort is common after getting braces or having adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed) and rinsing with warm salt water can ease the ache. It usually subsides in a day or two.
Broken Retainer or Aligner
If your retainer or Invisalign tray cracks or warps, it’s not an emergency—but it does need quick attention. Continuing to wear a broken device can affect your results, so give us a call and we’ll arrange a replacement or adjustment.
When to Call Your Orthodontist
If you’re ever unsure, call us. It’s that simple. Our team can help you figure out whether something is urgent and guide you on how to manage the issue until you’re seen.
Call your orthodontist if:
- You’re experiencing pain that interferes with eating or sleeping
- An appliance is broken or missing
- You’ve had an injury to the face or jaw
- A wire is poking into the gums and causing a sore
- Something just feels off and you want peace of mind
We’re always happy to hear from you—and we’d rather you call than wait too long.
How to Prepare for the Unexpected
A small orthodontic care kit can go a long way in easing minor issues. Here’s what to keep on hand:
- Orthodontic wax
- Tweezers and a pencil eraser
- Nail clippers or small scissors (for trimming wires, if needed)
- Cotton swabs
- Travel toothbrush and floss
- Salt for rinses
- Over-the-counter pain relief (as approved by your doctor)
If you’re heading on vacation or away from home for a while, bring your kit and our contact info—just in case.
Emergency Orthodontic Care in Albuquerque
At Haltom Orthodontics, we understand that things don’t always go as planned—and we’re here to support you through it all. Whether it’s a loose bracket, a sore spot, or something more urgent, our team responds quickly, clearly, and with care.
We’ll get you back on track as soon as possible, with minimal disruption to your progress.
Have an Orthodontic Emergency? Let’s Take Care of It—Together
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. The sooner you reach out, the faster we can help you feel better and protect your smile.
Contact Haltom Orthodontics right away if you think you're dealing with an orthodontic emergency. Our friendly team in Albuquerque is here to give you peace of mind—and fast relief when you need it most.
