Orthodontic emergencies can happen unexpectedly during treatment. At ABM Orthodontics, we’re here to provide prompt emergency care for our patients when issues arise—whether it’s a broken bracket, loose wire, or other urgent concern. If you’re currently in treatment with us in Clearwater or the surrounding areas, we’ll make sure you get the care you need right away.
During your orthodontic treatment, you may occasionally experience minor issues with your braces or aligners. Understanding what’s normal and what needs attention helps you feel confident managing your treatment, especially during your first year with braces. Most situations can be easily handled until your next scheduled appointment, though some require us to see you sooner.
Broken or loose brackets are among the most common issues we see. This typically happens when eating hard or sticky foods, though sometimes brackets simply come loose from normal wear. Poking wires can cause significant discomfort and may irritate or cut the inside of your mouth. Lost or broken aligner trays need replacement to keep your treatment on track. We also handle soreness that goes beyond typical adjustment discomfort, damaged rubber bands or springs, and appliances that shift out of place. Each situation receives individualized attention based on severity and your specific treatment plan.
If you experience an orthodontic emergency outside business hours, there are temporary measures you can take for relief. For poking wires, use clean tweezers to gently push the wire away from your cheek, or cover the end with orthodontic wax to create a barrier. If a bracket comes loose but stays on the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax until your appointment. For general soreness, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Never cut a wire yourself, as you could accidentally swallow it or cause further damage. Contact us as soon as possible so we can schedule an emergency appointment and provide specific guidance for your situation.
When you reach out about an issue, our team will assess the situation and provide guidance. In many cases, we can walk you through temporary relief measures over the phone and determine together whether you need to come in before your next scheduled visit. If you do need to be seen, we’ll schedule you at a convenient time—because most orthodontic concerns don’t require dropping everything for an immediate appointment.
However, if you’re experiencing something more severe—such as significant facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or injuries beyond just your braces—you should go directly to the emergency room rather than waiting to contact our office. True medical emergencies require immediate medical attention.
Your comfort matters to us. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re unsure about something or need reassurance. We’re here to support you throughout your treatment journey.
If you play contact sports while wearing braces, a properly fitted mouthguard is essential to prevent dental emergencies. Standard mouthguards won’t fit correctly over braces, so patients need a special orthodontic mouthguard designed to accommodate brackets and wires. Without proper protection, impact during sports can damage your braces, knock out teeth, or cause serious injuries to your lips, cheeks, and gums.
Since your bite changes as your teeth move during treatment, orthodontic mouthguards are designed for temporary use throughout your braces journey. We can provide guidance on selecting the right mouthguard for your sport and ensuring proper fit as your treatment progresses. Wearing appropriate protection helps you avoid emergency visits and stay active while achieving your best smile.
Not sure if your situation requires an in-person visit? We offer virtual consultations where you can show us the issue through video. This allows us to assess whether you need immediate care or if the problem can wait until your next scheduled appointment. Many minor issues can be resolved with simple at-home instructions, saving you an unnecessary trip to our office. For situations requiring hands-on treatment, we’ll get you scheduled right away.
ABM Orthodontics is a family-owned practice where personalized care takes priority over quotas and corporate mandates. We combine advanced 3D imaging technology with a comprehensive approach addressing not just alignment but also airway health and long-term function. Our Clearwater location offers flexible scheduling including select Saturdays, virtual consultation options, and Spanish-speaking services to accommodate our diverse community.
We use the latest equipment and digital tools to ensure precise diagnosis and gentle, efficient treatment.
Our skilled professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your needs.
From the moment you walk in, your comfort, time, and trust are our top priorities.
Schedule your appointment today and experience personalized dental care that puts your comfort first. Healthy teeth. Confident you.
Contact our office as soon as possible, even on weekends. We provide emergency contact information to all patients. In the meantime, if the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax. If it has come off completely, save it and bring it to your appointment. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods until we can repair it.
We understand emergencies are stressful and unexpected. Emergency visits needed to repair broken brackets or adjust wires are typically included in your overall treatment cost. If you need replacement aligners due to loss or damage, additional fees may apply. We’ll always discuss costs upfront before proceeding with any repairs that fall outside your treatment agreement.
We prioritize emergency appointments and typically see patients the same day for urgent issues like severe pain, injuries, or wires that are causing tissue damage. For less urgent concerns like a loose bracket without pain, we may schedule you within 24 to 48 hours. When you call, our team will assess your situation and determine the appropriate timeframe for your visit.
Yes, but modify your diet until the bracket is repaired. Stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing, and avoid the side of your mouth where the bracket is broken. Cut food into small pieces and chew carefully. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky that could cause further damage or dislodge additional brackets.
Our convenient Clearwater location at 1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd makes quality orthodontic care accessible to families throughout Pinellas County. We’re proud to serve patients from Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Seminole and the surrounding communities. Our modern office features the latest orthodontic technology in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed with your family in mind. Whether you’re coming from nearby or across the bay, you’ll find ample parking and easy access to our practice. We offer flexible appointment times, including select Saturdays, to fit your busy schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover the ABM Orthodontics difference.
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