At Miler Orthodontics, Dr. Miler and our team believe in preparing you not just for the beautiful smile you’re working toward but also for the unexpected moments that can arise along the way. Orthodontic treatment is a journey, and sometimes issues pop up that need attention sooner rather than later. Knowing what qualifies as an emergency, what you can safely handle in the moment, and when to call us sets you up for fewer disruptions and smoother progress.
Whether you or your teen have braces, clear aligners, or finished treatment and now wear retainers, being ready matters. In the Lowcountry whether you’re out boating, dining on fresh seafood, or enjoying a school sporting event in Bluffton, having the right plan for appliance issues means less stress and more smile. Let’s walk through common orthodontic emergencies and how you should respond.
Broken Brackets or Loose Bands
When you bite down too hard or get hit in the mouth, the bracket glued to a tooth can loosen, detach or shift. Bands around molars may also jump out of position. While it may not be an urgent life-threatening situation, a broken bracket or loose band can interfere with how your treatment force works and may delay your progress.
If the piece is still attached (but loose), it’s often fine to cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent catching your lip or cheek, and then call us for a repair appointment. If the bracket or band has completely come off and is still in your mouth, save it and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side, skip hard or sticky foods and contact our office sooner rather than later.
Poking Wires
A most frequent source of discomfort is when an archwire shifts or extends past the last bracket, suddenly poking inside your cheek, lip or gum. It might start as an annoyance but left unchecked it can become painful or cause sores.
In many cases you can temporarily manage: (1) apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the sharp wire tip, (2) or gently nudge the wire back toward the tooth surface if you can do so safely with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. (3) Rinse with warm salt-water and avoid chewing on that side. If the wire still irritates you, is cut deeply, causes bleeding, or you can’t safely reposition it, contact us at Miler Orthodontics for prompt adjustment.
Lost or Broken Retainers (or Aligners)
Retention is critical if you’ve recently finished treatment—losing or breaking your retainer or aligner may allow your teeth to drift. That is an emergency in the sense that waiting too long can undo progress.
If your retainer cracks or is lost, stop wearing it, save any broken pieces, and call our Bluffton office. Don’t try to fix it yourself or continue wearing something ill-fitting—an ill-fitting appliance might cause tooth movement you don’t want. Ask us about replacement options, temporary appliances, or how to safely manage until your next visit.
Severe Pain or Swelling
Some discomfort is expected with braces, aligners or after adjustments but if you experience sharp pain (not just mild soreness), persistent swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or signs of infection (fever, red and tender gums) then this is a true emergency where you should contact us right away. These signs may indicate appliance damage, a loose piece doing harm, or an emerging dental issue that requires immediate attention.
What Qualifies as an Emergency vs. What Can Wait
Not every issue with your orthodontic appliance demands an emergency visit. For example, mild soreness after an adjustment, minor tightness of aligners, or a tiny wire tip you can cover with wax may wait until the next scheduled visit. On the other hand, a component that is detached and interfering with your bite or soft tissue, or severe pain/swelling, should be addressed immediately. Err on the side of caution, if you’re uncertain, call us and we’ll let you know whether you should come in right away or schedule soon.
Emergency Contact Information for Our Locations
For your convenience:
- Bluffton Office: 843-815-2521, 337 Buckwalter Place Blvd. Bluffton, SC 29910
- Beaufort Office: 843-379-9200, 1600 Burnside St Suite 105 Beaufort, SC 29902
If you have an appliance issue outside of normal hours or on a weekend, leave a detailed message (name, issue, callback number) and follow the recorded instructions for after-hours support.
Keeping Your Smile Journey on Track
Your orthodontic treatment is a shared effort between you and our team. While appliance emergencies shouldn’t derail your path to a great smile, being informed and ready when mishaps happen makes a significant difference. Keep a small emergency kit handy, orthodontic wax, clean tweezers or cotton swabs, salt-water rinse instructions and always follow through with your scheduled visits. When surprises come up, you’re prepared.
At Miler Orthodontics, our goal is to support you every step of the way whether you’re visiting our Bluffton or Beaufort office. A quick call at the right time keeps you comfortable, protects your progress and ensures your Lowcountry lifestyle continues without interruption. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here for your smile.
