Braces are built to withstand everyday wear and tear, but they aren’t indestructible. A fall, sports injury, biting into something particularly hard, or even normal wear can sometimes cause a bracket to loosen or a wire to bend or break. If something goes wrong with your braces, try not to panic. Most orthodontic problems aren’t emergencies, and there are simple steps you can take until you can see your dental or orthodontic provider.