Orthodontics Emergencies in Fredericksburg at One Orthodontics

What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?

An orthodontic emergency is any unexpected problem with your appliance or teeth that causes pain, threatens your dental health, or interrupts your treatment progress. Common urgent issues include:

• Broken or loose brackets or bands (see our Braces service)
• Archwires that poke into cheeks or gums
• Lost, damaged or ill‐fitting retainers (refer to our Retainers page) or aligners (see Clear Aligners / Invisalign)
• Severe pain, swelling, infection or trauma to teeth or appliances
• Swallowed or aspirated parts of an appliance

Common Emergency Scenarios & What to Do

Broken Bracket or Loose Band

If a bracket comes loose and still sits on the wire, you may stabilise it temporarily with orthodontic wax and avoid using that side for chewing until we can see you.

Protruding or Poking Wire

If a wire is causing irritation, you may gently slide it back with a clean cotton tip or the eraser end of a pencil, or apply wax over the sharp end until you get into our office.

Lost or Damaged Retainer / Aligner

When you lose or damage your retainer or aligner, contact us immediately—continuing without it may allow undesirable shift of your teeth.

Trauma to the Mouth or Appliance

If you’ve experienced a fall, sports injury or blow to the mouth that damages your braces, aligners or teeth, this is a more urgent situation. Contact us promptly, as treatment may involve our Surgical Orthodontics service or Bite Correction depending on severity.

If You’re an Adult or Treated Previously

Adults with previous orthodontic work or relapse should also consider our Adult Orthodontics treatments to prevent emergencies or shifting.

How One Orthodontics Handles Emergencies

• Immediate Response: Call our Fredericksburg office to describe the issue and receive initial instructions—many emergencies can be stabilised at home until your visit.
• Temporary Comfort Measures: While waiting for your appointment we may guide you to use orthodontic wax, reposition wires or use over‐the‐counter relief.
• Repair or Replacement: Our team will repair broken brackets, reposition wires, replace damaged aligners/retainers and ensure your treatment remains on course.
• Treatment Continuity: We make sure your emergency visit supports your overall plan, whether it involves braces, aligners or other specialty treatments.
• Follow‐Up and Prevention: After resolving the immediate problem we’ll review how to avoid future emergencies, and help you resume your treatment schedule efficiently.

Prevention Tips: Minimising Emergencies

• Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods while in active orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners, retainers).
• Use a protective mouthguard for physical activity and sports—especially if you wear braces or aligners.
• Keep regular orthodontic appointments for check-ups and adjustments—to catch minor issues before they escalate.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: clean braces, aligners or retainers thoroughly to prevent damage or inflammation.
• If you’re using retainers long term, ensure they fit correctly and attend periodic checks to prevent shifting or breakage (refer to Retainers page).
• Understand when you might need advanced care—our services like Early Orthodontics, Adult Orthodontics, and Surgical Orthodontics can prevent complications down the line.

Ready for Rapid Care?

If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency in Fredericksburg, VA—don’t wait. Contact One Orthodontics now for prompt attention. Our team will guide you on what to do, stabilise the situation and get your treatment back on track.

📞 Call us or book online today—ensure your smile stays safe, comfortable and straight.