Orthodontic emergencies are rare — but when they do happen, they can be uncomfortable, stressful, and confusing. At Westfall Orthodontics in Richlands, VA, we’re here to help with fast, compassionate care when you or your child experiences an urgent orthodontic issue.
Whether it’s a broken bracket, poking wire, lost retainer, or unexpected pain, our experienced team is trained to resolve problems efficiently and keep your treatment on track. We offer flexible scheduling, expert attention, and the guidance you need to manage minor issues at home — and know when to come in for care.
Led by board-certified orthodontists Dr. Chad Westfall and Dr. Ian Weaver, our team is proud to serve families across Southwest Virginia with responsive support, modern solutions, and a calming touch when you need it most.
What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are issues that cause significant discomfort, disrupt your appliance, or interfere with the progress of your treatment. Some situations need same-day attention, while others can wait a day or two — or be resolved temporarily at home.
At Westfall Orthodontics, we encourage patients to call our office any time something doesn’t feel right. Even if it turns out to be minor, we’re happy to offer guidance and peace of mind.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies We Treat
Broken Bracket or Band
If a bracket becomes detached from your tooth, try to leave it in place if it’s still attached to the wire. If it comes off completely, save it and bring it with you. This isn’t always urgent, but we may need to schedule a repair visit soon.
Poking Wire
A loose or sharp wire can irritate the cheeks or gums. You can try using orthodontic wax to smooth the edge, or gently move the wire with a clean pencil eraser. If it causes persistent pain, call us for an adjustment.
Wire Out of Place
Sometimes a wire may slip out of its bracket slot, especially in the back teeth. Do not try to force it back in. Cover it with wax and call our team for guidance.
Mouth Sores or Irritation
During the first few days of braces, the inside of your mouth may become sore. Orthodontic wax and saltwater rinses can help. If irritation becomes worse or a canker sore develops, we may recommend a soothing gel.
Lost or Broken Retainer or Aligner
If your retainer or Invisalign tray cracks or goes missing, it’s important to contact us right away. Delaying can affect your progress and retention. In many cases, we can quickly replace or adjust your appliance.
Severe Pain or Facial Trauma
If there is swelling, bleeding, or injury to the face or teeth — especially from a fall or accident — visit an emergency room or general dentist first. Then, call us to coordinate any necessary orthodontic follow-up.
What to Do If You Have an Orthodontic Emergency
- Stay calm — most issues are minor and can be managed easily.
- Check for damage — look in the mirror and note what’s wrong.
- Use orthodontic wax — place wax on sharp or loose parts for comfort.
- Call our office — our team will walk you through what to do next.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods — until the issue is resolved.
If your emergency happens outside of normal hours, you can still call our office — we provide instructions on reaching our on-call team or what steps to take until we reopen.
How We Handle Emergency Visits
When you call, we’ll ask questions to understand the issue and determine if a same-day visit is needed. Many orthodontic emergencies can be handled quickly with a brief in-office adjustment or appliance repair.
In more complex cases, we’ll schedule a repair as soon as possible and provide instructions to minimize discomfort in the meantime.
Our Richlands office is equipped with advanced tools and experienced staff to handle emergencies efficiently, so you can get back to smiling without delay.
How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies
While accidents can happen, most orthodontic emergencies are preventable with a few simple habits:
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods — these can damage brackets and wires.
- Wear your mouthguard — especially during sports or physical activity.
- Clean your appliances gently — use the right tools and techniques.
- Follow all instructions — including aligner wear, elastics, and retainer care.
- Attend all checkups — regular visits allow us to monitor and adjust before small problems become big ones.
By staying on track with your treatment plan and caring for your appliances, you can reduce the risk of unwanted surprises.
Why Choose Westfall Orthodontics?
- Board-Certified Experts — Dr. Westfall and Dr. Weaver are skilled in handling all types of orthodontic emergencies, from simple fixes to complex cases.
- Flexible & Responsive Care — We offer same-day emergency appointments and fast scheduling for urgent needs.
- Virtual Check-Ins Available — With Dental Monitoring, some emergencies can be diagnosed and managed remotely.
- Calm, Friendly Environment — Our team (and therapy dog Molly) are here to ease anxiety and ensure every visit feels comfortable.
- Trusted by Families Across the Region — Serving Richlands, Southwest Virginia, and surrounding communities.
At Westfall Orthodontics, you’re never alone in your treatment journey — especially when you need help most.
