Skip to content
  • 806.355.9732
  • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Forms
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Sparkman
    • Meet Dr. Lyons
    • Meet Dr. Clifton
    • Meet the Team
    • Office Tour
    • Join Our Team
    • A Community of Smiles
    • Sponsorship Request
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Treatment
        • Braces
          • Types of Braces
          • Braces for Kids
          • Braces for Teens
          • Braces for Adults
          • Braces FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Clear Aligners
          • What are Clear Aligners?
          • What is Invisalign?
          • Types of Clear Aligners
          • Clear Aligners for Kids
          • Clear Aligners for Teens
          • Clear Aligners for Adults
          • Clear Aligners FAQ
          • DentalMonitoring
          • Payment Calculator
        • Orthodontics
          • Types of Orthodontic Treatments
          • Common Orthodontic Issues
          • Foods to Avoid
          • Life After Braces
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • Patient Rewards
    • Education Videos
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Free Consult
  • 806.355.9732
Schedule Free Consult
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Sparkman
    • Meet Dr. Lyons
    • Meet Dr. Clifton
    • Meet the Team
    • Office Tour
    • Join Our Team
    • A Community of Smiles
    • Sponsorship Request
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Treatment
    • Braces
      • Types of Braces
      • Braces for Kids
      • Braces for Teens
      • Braces for Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Clear Aligners
      • What are Clear Aligners?
      • What is Invisalign?
      • Types of Clear Aligners
      • Clear Aligners for Kids
      • Clear Aligners for Teens
      • Clear Aligners for Adults
      • Clear Aligners FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Orthodontics
      • Types of Orthodontic Treatments
      • Common Orthodontic Issues
      • Foods to Avoid
      • Life After Braces
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • Patient Rewards
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • 806.454.7551
  • Payment Calculator
Schedule Free Consult
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Emergency Care

Home » Patient Resources » Emergency Care

There are very few true orthodontic emergencies, but we are always available to help you. If you have a broken appliance or are experiencing intense pain, please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to fit you into the schedule for an appointment. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call immediately to notify us that you need an appliance repaired.

What to Do in Case of Emergency

At first, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It isn’t uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it’s comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.

If you think you may have an emergency, however, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem: Is it an urgent situation that requires immediate attention, or a minor problem that you can take care of yourself, temporarily, until you can come in to our office?

A Major Emergency

There are only a few true orthodontic (or dental) emergencies. They include:

• Trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth
• Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth, or face
• Severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas

In any of these situations, you should seek help as soon as possible — go to an emergency room, if that’s your best option. Generally, however, the place to start is with your regular dentist. Remember that he or she is trained to handle a range of dental problems, and can most likely offer the necessary diagnostic tools, anesthetics, and treatments you need. If, for example, you have a fractured tooth, your dentist will treat the immediate problem and arrange for the tooth’s restoration; afterward, your orthodontic treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. Likewise, severe pain or swelling could be a sign of infection or disease, which a dentist or periodontist is best able to treat.

Some Minor Troubles

Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it’s best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort, and then call our office to schedule an appointment; that way, we can allot sufficient time to take care of you. Here are a few of the more common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home:

Loose or Broken Brackets, Bands or Wires

This problem is often caused by eating hard or sticky candy or food, or playing with the braces. If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don’t connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment!

Misplaced or Poking Archwire, Bracket or Tie

As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If the wire won’t move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol — but before doing so, please call our office for our guidance or instructions. Often, you can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie that’s causing problems.

When wires or brackets cause irritation, covering the metal parts with wax will often help ease the discomfort. As with any of these types of problems, call our office and we’ll schedule a time to see you.

General Tooth Pain or Loosening

It’s normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment — that shows they’re moving! Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day salt-water rinse may also help: Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief.

While actual emergencies are rare, our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. If you need additional advice, don’t hesitate to call us!

patient REviews

Our 5-Star Experience

We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our community by making them smile every day. Hear what our patients are saying about their experience with us!

Camila
They did a great job on my son, highly recommend!👍
Debi L.
Love the doctors and staff..Jonathan was amazing today 😍
Sarah N.
5 stars! My daughter just got her braces off after 18ish months and her teeth are absolutely perfect. The doctors and all of the staff are very prompt & kind. Every appointment was quick & painless. I highly recommend Sparkman to anyone looking for help with their smile.
Rachel W.
Sparkman Orthodontics has a very friendly staff and care about their patients. Their doctors are fantastic! I highly recommend them as an orthodontist.
Daniel S.
Dr. Sparkman recommended my 9 year old son to get Invisalign and I was skeptical at first. But it has been great! My son is way more responsible with them than I thought he’d be and we haven’t had to come into the office for broken brackets or other problems you’d have with normal braces. I definitely recommend Dr. Sparkman and his staff for all your braces needs!
Whitney G.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Sparkman Orthodontics! From the very beginning, everyone has been incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. They always take the time to explain everything in a way that both I and my 8-year-old can understand, which has made the whole process so much easier and less intimidating.

We decided on Invisalign for her phase one treatment, and it’s been such a great decision for our family. Not only has it saved us from unexpected office visits for emergencies, but it also fit so well into our busy routine. The team was so thoughtful in helping us decide if Invisalign was the right choice, and we’ve felt supported every step of the way.

Now that she’s finishing up phase one, her smile looks absolutely beautiful - and seeing her confidence grow has been the best part of all. We are so grateful for the care and attention Sparkman Orthodontics has given our family!
Mary L.
Sparkman Orthodontics is absolutely amazing. I brought my daughter here, and we were met with a phenomenal team of workers. Everyone from the receptionist to the doctors were friendly and professional. Thank you! We highly recommend Sparkman Orthodontics!
Kylie L.
Always on time. Always super friendly & clean environment 💟
Kassandra G.
I've got my braces on at a previous place before, didn't like how they turned out. Then a few years later, I went to Sparkman Orthodontics and was very pleased!! One of the employers Kacie Flores assisted me with everything I needed to know. She was very kind and helpful. Also, she put on my braces and was very gentle. She is absolutely one of the best employees that Sparkman has! She most definitely is one of the best of the best.
Amy H.
The best experience we have had with orthodontics! Amazing staff and amazing doctors!!
Rick W.
12.24.2024... The Christmas Lights were Amazing! Thank you for spreading holiday cheer in Amarillo!
Jeremy G.
Amazingly ran business! Extremely fast and efficient service. I don't know how you could make it any better!
John
Sparkman saved me $5k when he told me to wait a year on my kid's braces to see what his teeth would do; his regular pediatric dentist had already told me that he needed them now. All three doctors are incredibly patient. Love that place.
Felecia B.
Dr. Lyons and Adriana are so kind and gentle! I love how Adriana lets you know exactly what she is doing every step of the way. This place is also affordable and I love that I don't have to travel far at all for my daughter's braces.
Gwen L.
Excellent Customer Service. Beautiful and spotless facility. I just got the clear braces and love that they have an app for it to use at home on your own time. Also, love that since I work out of town on those days if I have to go in for a face to face appointment, I can do so at their other out of town facilities. Plus, they were able to get me in quickly from the start. We are all very busy and our kids come first so I love the way they accommodate individual schedules.
Read more
follow us

Get Social With #sparkmanSmiles

Stay connected with us through social media and see how we’re making people smile every day!

Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18512292442052706
🎉 Happy 2-Year Anniversary, Roxana! 🎉
Today we’re celebrating Roxana and the amazing two years she’s been part of the Sparkman Orthodontics family! Her warmth, dedication, and beautiful smile brighten every room. We’re so lucky to have her on our team! ❤️

Help us show her some love in the comments! 👇

#SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #WorkAnniversary  #TeamSparkman #AmarilloTexas
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18062896975958823
Bittersweet moment at Sparkman Orthodontics! 
Today we celebrate Katelyn as she wraps up her time with us and steps into her next chapter as a dental hygienist. We’re so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished — you’ll be missed more than words can say! 💛

Huge thank you to Ms. Piggy's Custom Bake Shoppe & Cookie Bokay  for the adorable and delicious cookies to help send her off in the sweetest way! 🍪✨

#SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #DentalJourney #GoodLuckKatelyn #FutureRDH #TeamSparkman #MissPiggiesCookies
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18056718566520280
🎉 Today we celebrated Dr. Wentz’s 32nd birthday! 🎉
We are so blessed to have him as part of the Sparkman Orthodontics family. 
Dr. Wentz is originally from Lubbock and makes the trip to Amarillo twice a week to care for our patients — and we’re so thankful for the passion, energy, and kindness he brings every time he’s here. Thank you @nothingbundtcakes for the cake! 🎂

#HappyBirthdayDrWentz #TeamSparkman #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #32AndThriving #AmarilloTexas
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18515627269029650
🎉 Happy 2-Year Work Anniversary, Paola! 🎉
Today we’re celebrating two amazing years with one of our incredible PCCs, Paola Prieto! Thank you, Paola, for all that you do — we’re so lucky to have you on the Sparkman Orthodontics team! 💫

Help us celebrate her in the comments below! 💬👇

#SparkmanOrthodontics #TeamAnniversary #SparkASmile #amarillotx
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17848565613501175
🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Parker Wentz! 🎉
We’re so thankful to have you as part of the Sparkman Orthodontics family! Since joining us in January, you’ve already made such a positive impact with your passion, care, and expertise.
Wishing you an amazing year ahead filled with happiness and success! 🦷🎂🎈

Help us celebrate Dr. Wentz by dropping your birthday wishes in the comments below! 🎉👇

#HappyBirthday #DrWentz #TeamSparkman #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18031812824675217
🎉 Help us celebrate Anna Estrada’s 1-Year Work Anniversary! 🎉
We’re so lucky to have Anna on our team at Sparkman Orthodontics. Her dedication, kind heart, and amazing work as an orthodontic assistant make a difference every single day.

#SparkmanOrthodontics #WorkAnniversary #TeamSparkman #OrthoAssistant #SparkASmile #AmarilloTexas
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17955063479825391
🏆 GIVEAWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED! 🏆

Big congrats to our two lucky winners. You’ve each won tickets to the game! 🎟🔥
Thank you to everyone who liked & shared our post — we appreciate all the love and support!✨

We will be reaching out to you directly to pick up your tickets. 💬

#SparkmanOrthodontics #GiveawayWinners #SparkASmile #AmarilloTx #SodPoodlesBaseball
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17935402281025179
✨ Transformation Thursday ✨
From crowded to confident — check out this amazing smile journey! 😁
We love seeing our patients light up the room with their brand-new smile!
Ready to start your own transformation? 
Call now! 806-355-9732

#TransformationThursday #SparkmanOrthodontics #BeforeAndAfter #OrthoJourney #BracesOff #SparkASmile #AmarilloOrthodontist
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18082727656761493
🎟️ SOD POODLES TICKET GIVEAWAY! 🎉
We’re giving away 4 seats to TWO upcoming Sod Poodles games — and there will be 2 winners per date!

⚾️ Game Dates:
📅 Tuesday, June 24
📅 Tuesday, July 8
📍 These are season ticket seats — Great views in the stadium!

How to Enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Tag a friend you’d take with you
3️⃣ Make sure you're following @SparkmanOrthodontics
4️⃣ Share this post to your story or feed for an extra entry!

We’ll randomly select 2 winners for each game — so you and a friend could be cheering on the Sod Poodles in style!

—

Disclaimer: This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, Facebook, or Instagram. Must be 18 or older to enter. Tickets must be picked up in person at Sparkman Orthodontics.

#SparkmanOrthodontics #SodPoodles #TicketGiveaway #AmarilloTX #SparkASmile #SodPoodlesBaseball
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18102887935549409
☀️ SUMMER SALE ALERT! ☀️
Get $500 OFF Braces or Clear Aligners. 😁

There’s no better time to start your smile journey than right now—this limited-time offer won’t last long!

📞 Call us today at 806-355-9732 to schedule your FREE consultation.
Let’s Spark a Smile this summer! ✨

#SparkmanOrthodontics #SummerSale #Braces #ClearAligners #AmarilloTexas #CanyonTexas #PampaTx #ClovisNM #SparkASmile
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17916492174158072
✨ Monday vibes at our Clovis office!
Whether it’s a routine adjustment or a big smile milestone, our team is here to make every visit smooth, comfortable, and full of care. 💜
Let’s start the week with a reason to smile! 😁 

#SparkmanOrthodontics #ClovisCrew #OrthodonticCare #ClovisNM #Braces #ClearAligners
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17879695845224281
✨ #TransformationThursday ✨
From underbite to unstoppable smile! 😁
Check out this amazing before-and-after — the difference is crystal clear! Our team worked hard to align his bite and bring out his confident new smile. 💪🦷

Ready to start your transformation? Let’s spark that smile! 🔥
📲 Call us to schedule your free consultation. 

#SparkmanOrthodontics #UnderbiteCorrection #BeforeAndAfter #BracesJourney  #OrthodonticTransformation #SparkASmile #AmarilloTexas
Follow Us:
Facebook-f Instagram

Voted “Best Of”

by Amarillo Globe News, Channel 10 News & the Pampa News!

Best of Pampa 2024
Best-of-Clovis-2023

Get Started Today

We look forward to meeting you and helping you get started with treatment that is customized to your specific needs.

Schedule Free Consult
Sparkman ortho - ada
Sparkman ortho
Sparkman ortho - logo
Sparkman ortho - iTero
our Locations

Come Visit Us

Come by one of our locations and meet our friendly team! We’re ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! We look forward to meeting you soon!
Amarillo, TX

7701 S.W. 45th Ave.
Amarillo, TX 79119

806.355.9732

Pampa, TX
3000 Perryton Pkwy.
Pampa, TX 79065

806.355.9732
Canyon, TX

2 Glorieta Dr,
Canyon, TX 79015

806.355.9732

Clovis, NM
901 E. 21st St.
Clovis, NM 88101

806.355.9732
Schedule Free Consult

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Quick Links

Main Menu
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Clear Aligners
  • Orthodontics
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us

Contact Us

  • Amarillo, TX
  • Pampa, TX
  • Canyon, TX
  • Clovis, NM
  • 806.355.9732

© Copyright 2025 Sparkman Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

Marketing & Web Design by HIP