Orthodontic Emergencies

A loose wire, a broken bracket, or a retainer that suddenly doesn't fit can happen at any point during orthodontic treatment. These situations are rarely dangerous, but they can cause discomfort or interrupt the progress of a treatment plan, so prompt attention helps keep things on track. Our orthodontic team is available to evaluate and address issues that arise with braces, aligners, or retainers.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Broken or Poking Wire — A wire that has shifted or come loose and is irritating the cheek or gums.
Loose or Broken Bracket — A bracket that has detached from the tooth surface.
Lost or Cracked Retainer — A retainer that no longer fits properly or has been damaged.
Discomfort After Adjustment — Soreness following a routine tightening or aligner change.
Traumatic Injury to Teeth — Trauma affecting teeth already undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Who Sees You

Orthodontic concerns are evaluated by our orthodontists, including Dr. Sameer Al-Obaidi, Dr. Katerine Cardona, Dr. Budi Kusnoto, Dr. Angela Lu, Dr. Ayas Makki, Dr. Ahmed Shawky, and Dr. Emily Williams, who work with fixed appliances, clear aligners, and retainers.

Diagnosis and Next Steps

Digital X-Rays — Used when needed to check tooth position or root status after an injury.
Digital Panoramic X-Rays — A single image of the mouth and jaw to help guide next steps in treatment.