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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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If you have a child that wears braces, there is a chance that they will have loose or damaged brackets at some point- but, are broken braces an orthodontic emergency? Loose brackets are common, especially in those that have been wearing their braces for a while. The resin securing the bracket to the teeth can become weak- causing it to become loose. While loose or damaged brackets is not a dental emergency, it does warrant a call to your orthodontist during business hours to schedule a regular appointment to have the brackets tightened and fixed.

Braces broken? Here is what you should do after notifying the orthodontist:

Assess the Situation

Take a good look at the braces to assess the damage and determine what is loose or broken. If the wire is simply bent or out of place, give it a gentle nudge with a clean cotton swab; if a wire is protruding or sharp, trim it with nail clippers as close to the tooth as possible.

Use your Wax

Apply orthodontic wax over any edges or wires that could cause soreness or discomfort in the mouth. This helps prevent irritation inside the mouth, creating a waxy buffer that will protect the gums, tongue, and cheek.

Rinse with Salt Water

Loose or damaged braces can cause irritation in the mouth. Relieve this by rinsing the mouth with salted water frequently. This will also help speed-up healing if the broken brace did cause sores or cuts to the mouth.

Watch What They Eat

Until you see the orthodontist, skip those foods that can make the situation worse. Hard, sticky, or gummy foods can wreak havoc with braces- and could further complicate brackets and braces that are already loose or damaged.

Brush as Usual

Loose or broken wires is not a reason to skip routine dental hygiene. Brush and floss normally but be careful and brush gingerly around the loose brackets to prevent further problems.

Manage Discomfort, as Needed

Braces can cause sores and irritations to the inside of the cheek and mouth. Use over-the-counter pain reliever, like baby aspirin, to soothe this discomfort until you are seen by the orthodontist.

Figure Out How It Happened

Figure out what caused the bracket to break or become loose and let your orthodontist know. This can help prevent future problems and similar incidents later.

Surprisingly, a loose bracket is not an emergency, but you should contact your- or your child’s- orthodontist to schedule a routine appointment. At Reese Orthodontics we want you to call and let us know what you are experiencing with your braces; if it is after hours, we will call you back as soon as we are in the office. Use these tips to deal with broken braces- your child’s, your own, or someone else’s!

Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
click here to read reese orthodontic reviews
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reese orthodontics west ashley sc

Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).