Broken brackets, poking wires, or loose bands can be uncomfortable. At ABM Orthodontics, we provide prompt emergency orthodontic care to address broken braces and other urgent issues. Whether you need a quick repair or temporary relief until your next appointment, our Clearwater team is here to help you keep your treatment on track.
Orthodontic emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. A broken bracket during dinner, a poking wire before an important event, or a loose band on the weekend can cause discomfort and worry. We understand the urgency of these situations and work to accommodate emergency appointments as quickly as possible. Call or text our office at 727-605-2266, and we’ll guide you through immediate relief steps and schedule a repair appointment promptly.
Broken or loose brackets are among the most common orthodontic issues, often caused by eating hard or sticky foods. Poking wires can occur when teeth shift and the wire extends beyond the last bracket. Loose bands, broken elastics, or lost spacers may also require attention. We can quickly repair most issues in a single visit, replacing broken brackets, trimming or repositioning wires, and ensuring your braces function properly. Most repairs take only 15 to 30 minutes.
While waiting for your emergency appointment, you can take steps to manage discomfort. For a poking wire, try using the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it away from your cheek or gums. Orthodontic wax provided at your initial appointment can cover sharp edges or broken brackets preventing irritation. For a loose bracket, leave it in place if still attached to the wire and use wax to secure it temporarily. Avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods until the repair is complete.
Not every braces issue requires immediate attention. A loose bracket still attached to the wire can usually wait until your next scheduled appointment if it’s not causing pain. However, you should call us right away if a wire is poking and causing significant discomfort, a bracket has completely detached and you’ve swallowed or lost it, you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling, or a band or spacer has come loose. We’ll assess the situation over the phone and determine whether you need an emergency visit.
Some situations require immediate professional attention beyond orthodontic care. If you experience facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to your face or mouth, seek emergency medical care first, then contact our office. Your health and safety are always the top priority.
While some braces issues are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper care. Avoid hard foods like ice, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn kernels. Stay away from sticky foods like caramel, taffy, gum, and chewy candies that can pull brackets off teeth. Cut corn off the cob and slice apples or other hard fruits into smaller pieces rather than biting directly. Wear a protective mouthguard during sports activities. Following these guidelines significantly reduces your risk of broken brackets and emergency visits.
Frequent broken brackets or missed repair appointments can extend your treatment time and delay your final results. Each time a bracket breaks, tooth movement in that area stops until it’s repaired. Multiple breaks can add weeks or months to your overall treatment duration. Promptly addressing orthodontic emergencies and following care instructions helps ensure your treatment stays on schedule and you achieve your beautiful new smile as planned.
We understand accidents happen, especially with active children and teens. Our goal is never to make you feel bad about a broken bracket but to fix the issue quickly and help you learn how to prevent future problems. We’re your partners in achieving the best possible orthodontic outcome.
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.
Call or text our office at 727-605-2266 immediately. Our team will provide guidance for temporary relief and schedule an emergency repair appointment as soon as possible. If it’s after hours, leave a message with details about your emergency, and we’ll return your call promptly.
If the wire is causing significant discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily. You can also try using a clean pencil eraser or the back of a spoon to gently push the wire away from your cheek. If these methods don’t provide relief, contact our office for an emergency appointment. Never try to cut the wire yourself with scissors or nail clippers.
Most broken brackets are not true emergencies requiring immediate after-hours care. If the bracket is still attached to the wire and not causing severe pain, it can typically wait until the next business day or your next scheduled appointment. However, you should call us right away if you’re experiencing severe pain, if a wire is poking and causing significant discomfort, or if you’ve swallowed a piece of your braces.
Yes, frequent broken brackets can extend your treatment time. Each time a bracket breaks, tooth movement in that area stops until it’s repaired. Multiple breaks can add weeks or months to your overall treatment duration. That’s why it’s important to avoid hard and sticky foods, wear a mouthguard during sports, and promptly schedule repairs when breaks do occur.
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, 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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