Braces are designed to be tough so that they can withstand the daily pressure of gradually shifting your teeth into a straighter, healthier alignment. But even the most durable brackets and wires can break under certain circumstances. An unexpected fall, a sudden collision during sports, or simply biting into the wrong food can leave you with a broken bracket, a loose wire, or another type of issue. However, these situations are no reason to panic; broken braces are more common than you might think, and in many cases, it’s a very manageable issue!
How to Identify Broken Braces
Not every braces issue requires an urgent same-day call to your orthodontist, but some definitely do. That said, knowing the difference can save you stress and help you act appropriately. For example, a situation that warrants immediate care includes a wire that is poking into your cheek or gum tissue and can’t be safely tucked back, a bracket that has completely detached and is creating a choking risk, or significant swelling or pain that isn’t resolving.
On the other hand, a slightly loose bracket that is still attached to the wire, minor wire irritation that can be temporarily relieved with orthodontic wax, or a small gap where a bracket used to be are all things that can often wait for a scheduled appointment. Whenever you’re in doubt, call your orthodontist and describe the situation so they can help you determine how quickly you need to come in.
What to Do When Your Braces Break
A loose or broken bracket is one of the most common braces-related mishaps. The bracket may still be attached to the wire and could be sliding around, or it may have come off completely. If the bracket is still on the wire, you can apply a small piece of orthodontic wax over it to keep it from moving and irritating your cheek. However, do not attempt to pull it off or reattach it yourself. If the bracket has come off entirely, save it in a small container and bring it with you to your appointment.
A broken or protruding wire is another frequent issue, especially after eating something hard or after a physical impact. You can take a small piece of orthodontic wax, roll it into a ball, and press it firmly over the end of the wire to create a cushion. If the wire has come completely out, you may try to gently slide it back into place using a clean Q-tip. Remember to never yank or pull the wire, as this can cause additional damage to your brackets or hurt your mouth.
Even if the issue seems minor, it’s always a good idea to let your orthodontic team know what happened. What looks like a small break to you may actually affect your treatment progress more than you realize!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we proudly provide patients and families all across New England with a wide range of orthodontic services, from traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners and beyond. Our team can also easily treat a wide variety of orthodontic emergencies and schedule you for same-day care if the need ever arises. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Grafton Office Telephone: (508) 839-9350.
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