Broken Bracket: Braces Damage & What to Do

With today’s tooth technology, reimagining your smile with the power of braces is simple, comfortable, and customizable – but it can still come with some challenges. Broken brackets are a common issue when you’re straightening out bite problems, and it’s important to know what to do when you’re facing a broken wire or loose bracket.

Today, we’re going to be going over broken braces and what you can do at home to address this orthodontic emergency on your own!

Are Broken Brackets an Orthodontic Emergency?

When a wire breaks or a bracket pops off, it’s an orthodontic emergency – but it’s not an emergency that requires you to find an urgent-care orthodontist.

In most cases, getting a bracket repaired isn’t a dental emergency, and it can wait until your next appointment – just make sure you schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get it fixed! Patients can experience a lot of discomfort when braces break.

There are a few ways that damaged braces, brackets, and wires can occur. The most common are:

• Getting a mouth injury while playing contact sports or playing sports without a mouth guard.
• Eating hard or sticky foods, like popcorn or candy. Even sugar-free gum can pull off brackets.
• Flossing incorrectly or using toothpicks.

What to Do When You Have a Broken Braces Bracket

A broken bracket or arch wire issue can be uncomfortable and can even set back your braces treatment. Luckily, your orthodontist should be able to provide a quick fix for bracket problems at your next visit.

If you can’t see your doctor for a few days, make sure to swish with warm salt water and antiseptic rinse to prevent discomfort, pain, and infection. Eat soft foods and keep up with your good oral hygiene during this time to prevent any additional damage!

You won’t be able to repair your braces at home, but there are a few steps you can take to protect your teeth, gums, and cheeks. Let’s look at these quick fixes.

Trim Broken Wires

Sometimes, if the wire breaks while you’re wearing braces or comes loose from the last bracket/moral tube, it will scratch and poke the soft tissue of your mouth. Use a clean Q-tip cotton swab or pencil eraser to push the wire back into place.

Use Orthodontic Wax

Dental wax is amazing for handling dental discomfort. When the pointed end of a wire starts to hurt, stick wax on it to protect your mouth. You can also secure a floating bracket between two teeth with wax. Cover the loose piece and make sure it is attached to your teeth after pushing it back into place.

Save Your Lost Brackets

Has a bracket come off your teeth? Floating brackets at the end of a wire can slide off entirely, but that’s okay. Don’t try to secure it to the tooth; instead, bring it to your next appointment so your orthodontist can put it back on.

Call Your Orthodontist for a Professional Fix

Brackets break – it’s a common problem when you wear braces. While it’s not an emergency, it’s still important that you call your orthodontic office and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Fixing your bracket will put your back on track for a brighter smile while preventing any unnecessary pain.

Pura Vida Orthodontics near Blaine, MN, is here for all of your treatment troubles. If you’re struggling with a broken bracket, then it’s the right time to give our office a call. Live your best smile with a little help from the Pura Vida team!