Call (512) 266-8585 for Emergency Orthodontic Care in Steiner Ranch

Orthodontic emergencies can happen at any time during treatment—whether you’re wearing braces, aligners, or another type of appliance. Some situations are more urgent than others, but if something feels painful, broken, or uncomfortable, it’s best to contact our Steiner Ranch office as soon as possible. Common orthodontic emergencies include:

• Loose or broken brackets – A bracket that has come detached from your tooth can disrupt your treatment or cause irritation in your mouth.
• Poking or broken wires – Sharp wires can injure the inside of your cheeks or lips and need to be trimmed or repositioned.
• Loose metal bands – When a band becomes loose or detaches, it may need to be replaced to ensure your treatment stays on track.
• Discomfort from new appliances – Pain or pressure from a newly placed appliance may go beyond normal adjustment discomfort.
• Missing separators – These small rubber rings are essential in certain treatment stages and may need to be replaced if they fall out prematurely.

Don’t wait to see if the problem resolves on its own—call us so we can help you stay comfortable and on schedule with your treatment.

Temporary Relief Tips While You Wait

While we’ll do everything we can to see you quickly, here are a few at-home solutions you can try until your appointment:

• Orthodontic wax – Cover any protruding wires or brackets with wax to prevent rubbing and reduce discomfort.
• Salt water rinse – A warm salt water rinse can soothe irritated soft tissues and reduce inflammation.
• Cold compress – If you have swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face in 10-minute intervals.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers – Use pain relief medications as directed to manage mild soreness or irritation.

These tips won’t solve the issue completely, but they can provide temporary comfort until you come into our Steiner Ranch office.

Our Emergency Orthodontic Process

At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics in Steiner Ranch, our team is trained to handle orthodontic emergencies with speed and care. We offer same-day appointments whenever possible and use advanced diagnostic tools such as:

• iTero® digital scanner – for precise, mess-free impressions
• Digital X-rays – for a quick and safe internal view
• Intraoral cameras – for high-resolution visuals of the problem area

After evaluating your situation, we’ll make any necessary repairs or adjustments and review what to expect next. Whether it’s a broken bracket or a loose aligner tray, we’ll resolve the issue with care and compassion.

To make your visit more enjoyable, we offer amenities like Wi-Fi, hot beverages, and TVs in the treatment areas. You’ll even leave with a fun goodie bag to brighten your day.

Payment Options That Ease the Stress

We believe urgent care shouldn’t mean financial worry. We offer several payment options to fit your situation:

• Credit cards, cash, and checks
• Flexible financing options
• In-house membership plans

Our team will work with you to make your emergency visit manageable and straightforward.

Tips to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

While not all emergencies can be prevented, the following habits can reduce your risk:

• Attend all scheduled check-ups – These visits help us catch and correct small problems before they worsen.
• Practice great oral hygiene – Brushing, flossing, and using tools like water flossers can keep your appliances and gums healthy.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods – Gum, ice, hard candy, and popcorn can damage wires and brackets.
• Wear protective gear – If you’re active in sports, a mouthguard can protect your teeth and orthodontic hardware.
• Follow appliance guidelines – Wear your retainer or aligners as instructed to avoid shifting or delays.