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Orthodontic Emergencies
in South Carolina

If something doesn’t feel right with your braces or aligners, don’t panic! As a patient of Davis Orthodontics, we have your back. We offer support, guidance, and prompt care for unexpected orthodontic issues.

Call (864) 801-3500
Orthodontic Emergencies

We're here for you

What is an orthodontic emergency?

An orthodontic emergency is any unexpected issue with your braces or aligners that causes discomfort, interrupts treatment, or raises concern. While most orthodontic problems are not true emergencies, things like poking wires, broken brackets, or lost aligners can still be frustrating or uncomfortable. At Davis Orthodontics, we offer clear instructions for at-home relief and in-office support when needed. Our team will assess the situation, offer guidance by phone or message, and schedule an appointment if necessary. We’re here to make sure your smile stays on track with as little stress as possible.

Fast answers, real peace of mind

The benefits of emergency orthodontic care

Knowing what to do and who to call makes all the difference when something unexpected happens.

Prompt relief

We help ease discomfort quickly, whether it’s with simple at-home fixes or same-day visits when necessary.

Keeps treatment on track

Timely care ensures that broken or missing appliances don’t delay your overall progress.

Support when you need it

Our team is here for you with expert guidance and compassionate care, even if it’s just to double-check that everything is okay.

Common orthodontic issues & emergencies

Poking wire
Broken bracket
Lost or damaged aligner
Sore teeth or jaw
Swallowed or displaced appliance

Poking wire

Wires can sometimes shift and irritate the inside of the mouth. If this happens, try using orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to protect your cheek or gums. You can also try using a clean pencil eraser to gently bend the wire back into place. If discomfort continues, give us a call and we’ll guide you on next steps or get you in for a quick fix.

Broken bracket

A bracket that becomes loose or breaks away from the tooth can usually wait a few days, but it should still be addressed. If it’s still attached to the wire, use wax to keep it in place and prevent irritation. Don’t try to remove it yourself. Contact our office so we can schedule a repair and keep your treatment plan on track.

Lost or damaged aligner

If you damage or misplace your clear aligner, don’t panic. Depending on where you are in your wear cycle, we may recommend moving ahead to your next aligner or going back to the previous one to maintain progress. Call our office, and we’ll advise you on what to do and when to come in for a replacement if needed.

Sore teeth or jaw

Mild soreness is normal after braces are adjusted or when starting a new aligner tray. You can manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods for a day or two. If pain is severe or doesn’t improve, give us a call. There may be something we can adjust to make you more comfortable.

Swallowed or displaced appliance

If a piece of your appliance breaks off and is swallowed or inhaled, seek medical attention immediately and then call our office. Though rare, this is considered a true emergency. We’ll work with your medical provider to coordinate follow-up care and replace the appliance safely.

What to do in an orthodontic emergency

1

Call or message us

Contact your local Davis Orthodontics office and let us know what’s going on. We’ll ask a few quick questions and determine whether the issue can be managed at home or needs an in-office visit.

2

At-home guidance (if possible)

For many minor issues, we can guide you through a temporary fix over the phone or by video. We’ll also let you know what to watch for and when to schedule follow-up care.

3

In-office care

If you need to come in, we’ll schedule you for the soonest available appointment, often on the same-day. Our team will make the necessary repairs and get you feeling comfortable and back on track.

See how quick action keeps treatment on track

Explore our before & after gallery to see how consistent care, even during small setbacks, leads to confident, healthy results.

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Frequently asked questions

In most cases, no. True emergencies (such as a swallowed appliance or injury to the face/jaw) may require medical attention, but most orthodontic issues can be handled in our office. If you’re unsure, call us first—we’ll guide you.

You can use wax or trim a long wire with sterilized nail clippers if absolutely necessary, but don’t attempt to fully repair appliances yourself. We’ll help you manage the issue safely until we can see you.

Call our main office number and follow the prompts. We’ll respond as quickly as possible and let you know the best way to proceed, whether that’s at-home care, an emergency visit, or a next-day appointment.

Still have questions?

Call (864) 801-3500

Real stories,
 
real smiles

Everyone is always extremely nice from the moment you walk in the door, like they’re actually happy to see me! Or maybe they just love my new smile. 😂 Either way, they have made this experience one I won’t forget… The dippin dots for simply showing up is a plus too

Queen J.

Every visit to Davis Orthodontics was a pleasure! The staff are wonderful, caring and knowledgeable. We are very pleased with the results of our time with their practice!

Dawn D.

Absolutely love all the staff! Amazing kind and patient people! So glad I chose Davis ortho to do mine and both my daughters braces!!

Amanda D.

Love this place. Great service, great people. On our second child now for treatment.

Carlos O.

Absolutely phenomenal! The staff is incredible and Keelie is on another level exceptional! She has coordinated all our children’s needs going above and beyond to help us. Super responsive! Clean facility and caring staff. Absolutely love this place!!!

Michele W.

After two years, Davis Orthodontics took my braces off today, and I couldn’t be happier with my teeth! 🦷😊 The team here is amazing and so nice. Great service all around!

Nemfa M.

Awesome service here! I walked in and the 2 ladies at the front desk were so welcoming and helpful when it came to my appointment! They took me to the back and reviewed my teeth and got me out the door in under 20 minutes! There are some fantastic workers here who would love to assist you with your smile!

Parker J.

The staff have been very professional and polite and are always a joy to interact with. The service is top notch and the staff are very knowledgeable. Scheduling appointments is quick and easy and the appointments are efficient and we are in and out of the office in no time. Additionally, my son loves the free dippin dots ice cream he gets are each adjustment. He says it helps ease the minor pain associated with adjustments. I highly recommend this location!

Michael F.

Dr Buddy and the team at Davis have been amazing to work with. My daughter’s new smile is perfect, and we are going to miss our visits. Thx for the best experience! We couldn’t give a higher recommendation.

Heather D.

My daughter has made it through Phase 1 and we are very happy with the customer service, doctors and results thus far.

Lisa W.

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Ready to start your
smile journey?

Schedule your free consultation today and discover how easy orthodontic treatment can be.

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