Ace the Smile Squad Challenge 2025 – Orthodontic Assistant Exam to Brighten Your Future!

A common orthodontic emergency pertains to situations that require immediate attention to ensure the comfort and health of the patient. Broken brackets fall into this category as they can significantly hinder the progress of orthodontic treatment and may cause discomfort or irritation to the soft tissue in the mouth. When a bracket breaks, it can lead to a loss of tension on the archwire, affecting the movement of the teeth and potentially delaying treatment.

Immediate management is typically needed to replace or repair the broken bracket, ensuring that the treatment can continue as planned. This urgency distinguishes it from issues like loose ligatures, which while inconvenient, do not usually warrant immediate intervention, or excessive tooth whitening and non-compliance with oral hygiene, which are more related to patient habits and long-term dental health rather than acute emergencies. Thus, broken brackets represent a common and pressing orthodontic concern that can directly affect ongoing therapy.