Orthodontic emergencies rarely arrive with a warning. One minute you’re enjoying lunch, and the next, a bracket snaps or a wire digs into your cheek. In those moments, having an emergency orthodontist in Littleton who truly understands comfort and precision matters. That’s exactly the philosophy behind our patient-first approach led by Dr. Tom Berchtold at Summit Family Orthodontics. We know how to turn stress into relief and restore your smile’s balance fast.
Do you come in to have it taken care of right away? Or is it safe to wait until your next adjustment appointment? Having an expert readily available to answer your questions can make all the difference.
At Summit Family Orthodontics, orthodontic care is about much more than straight teeth. It’s about confidence, connection, and knowing that help is needed when needed.
What Sets Our Emergency Orthodontic Treatment Apart
You deserve immediate support when something goes wrong—whether it’s a broken appliance or pain from shifting wires. Our team specializes in handling urgent orthodontic needs with calm expertise. We don’t just fix the issue; we ensure you understand what happened and how to prevent it next time.
Many patients don’t realize that even small issues can affect long-term treatment. A loose bracket or protruding wire can delay progress and cause unnecessary discomfort. That’s why we emphasize timely orthodontic adjustments that keep your treatment on track and your mouth comfortable.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies We Handle
Not every problem requires a full-blown emergency visit, but knowing the difference helps. Here are a few of the most common orthodontic issues we treat:
- Broken or loose brackets: These can disrupt or delay tooth movement.
- Poking wires: A simple adjustment can save you from days of pain.
- Lost separators or elastics: Quick replacements prevent delays in treatment.
- Sudden discomfort or swelling: Always worth checking, especially after recent adjustments.
Most orthodontic offices supply their patients with a case of orthodontic wax. A dime-sized wax placed over a sharp orthodontic wire can provide immediate relief and buy time to be seen.
Sometimes you’re not sure if something rises to the level of being an orthodontic emergency. Even when things seem minor, we are here to help as an emergency orthodontist in Littleton and we encourage patients to call. It’s always better to have peace of mind than risk prolonging discomfort. More information about potential orthodontic emergencies and how to deal with them can be found on the American Academy of Orthodontists’ website.
What happens if you’ve called your orthodontist and they are not available to respond to your orthodontic emergency?
If you experience discomfort with your orthodontic treatment, contact your treating orthodontist. Should your orthodontist be unavailable or the office closed, most orthodontic practices provide an emergency contact for someone prearranged to help while they are out of town. It might be a knowledgeable team member or another orthodontic office that provides the emergency care in their absence.
Orthodontic treatment can be intricate, often addressing multiple issues simultaneously, such as alignment, expansion, and habit modification as seen in the example below:
In an ideal scenario, the orthodontist who placed the appliance would manage the emergency. However, if you’re unable to reach your orthodontist, your referring dental office should be your next point of contact. Dentists who refer patients to specific orthodontists trust their expertise and expect them to be available for their patients. In a pinch, most referring general dentistry offices are equipped to handle emergency orthodontic visits. They can address the immediate issue, prompt the orthodontist to respond quickly, and advocate for your well-being with the orthodontic specialty office for your future care needs.
Experience You Can Count On
Dr. Berchtold offers years of experience with genuine compassion. He’s seen every orthodontic emergency and knows how to respond quickly while maintaining treatment goals. His approach centers on education—helping patients feel informed, not intimidated.
Dr. Berchtold is also Board Certified, a designation of expertise that few orthodontists are able to achieve and maintain. Board Certification can always be confirmed on the American Board of Orthodontics’ website.
From traditional metal braces to advanced aligner systems, we customize each plan. This attention to detail ensures that emergency visits don’t derail your progress.
Beyond Emergencies: A Full-Service Orthodontic Experience
Our practice provides a full range of orthodontic treatments. While we pride ourselves on responsive emergency care, we’re equally passionate about long-term results.
We see patients of all ages—from children starting early intervention to adults correcting long-standing concerns. Every smile tells a story, and we love being part of it.
Why Choose Our Office as an Emergency Orthodontist in Littleton?
We are here to help! If you happen to have an emergency and can’t find relief, we provide counsel and guidance. Choosing local care has huge advantages including having a place to call home just in case an emergency occurs. We’re not just another clinic; we’re part of this community. When emergencies happen, proximity can make all the difference. Instead of driving across town, you can find expert care right here.
Our office is easy to reach and conveniently located for Littleton and the surrounding neighborhoods. For directions, simply check our map listing.
Being nearby also means continuity—seeing the same trusted faces who understand your treatment history, your goals, and even your family. That familiarity makes a stressful situation feel manageable. Even if our orthodontist is away for training or on vacation, our emergency line is covered by local, talented professionals who know how to help patients figure out next best steps and alleviate patient pain. Our office is exceptionally good at fitting emergency patients into even our busiest schedules to help them get out of pain.
Visit Us for Reliable Orthodontic Treatment
At the end of the day, emergencies don’t have to derail your journey. With a compassionate, experienced team, and a community-based practice, you’ll always have support right when you need it.
If you’re looking for an emergency orthodontist in Littleton who treats you like family, we’re ready to help. Whether it’s a broken wire or a bigger concern, you can count on our experienced hands to make things right.
Reach out through our contact page to schedule a same-day visit or ask a quick question. We’ll handle the rest—with care, clarity, and a smile.
