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.
Assess the Damage
First, take a moment to figure out what happened. Did a bracket come loose? Is a wire poking your cheek? Did part of the appliance break off completely?
If a piece of your braces has fallen out and you can safely retrieve it, keep it in a small container and bring it to your appointment. Avoid trying to glue a bracket back onto your tooth or make major repairs yourself. Improvised fixes could damage your teeth or orthodontic appliances.
Protect Your Mouth
A broken bracket or protruding wire can irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth. If a wire is poking your cheek, lips, or tongue, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief. Simply place a small amount over the irritating area to create a protective barrier.
If a loose bracket is still attached to the wire, avoid playing with it or repeatedly moving it with your tongue. The more you manipulate the appliance, the greater the chance of causing additional irritation or damage.
Call Your Dental Provider
Once you’ve assessed the problem, contact your dental or orthodontic provider and explain what happened. They can determine whether you need to come in immediately or whether it’s safe to wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Even if the broken component isn’t causing pain, it’s important to let your provider know. A damaged appliance may interfere with your treatment plan or cause unnecessary irritation if it isn’t repaired.
Watch What You Eat
Until your braces are repaired, be particularly careful about what you eat. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can put additional pressure on damaged brackets and wires.
Choose softer foods that require less chewing, and avoid biting directly into hard foods. This can help prevent further damage while you’re waiting for your appointment.
When Is a Broken Brace an Emergency?
Most broken braces can be handled with a prompt call to your dental or orthodontic provider. However, certain situations require more immediate attention. If a broken appliance causes significant bleeding, severe pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to your mouth or face, seek urgent medical care.
If you’ve swallowed a small orthodontic component without experiencing breathing difficulties, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Keep Your Treatment on Track
A broken bracket or wire can be frustrating, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your orthodontic treatment is off course. Acting quickly, protecting irritated tissues, and contacting your provider can help get your braces back in working order and keep your treatment moving forward.
Knowing what to do ahead of time can make an unexpected orthodontic problem much less stressful.
About the Practice
Oakbrook Dental and Orthodontics is a comprehensive dental practice serving patients with a range of general and specialized dental needs. The practice emphasizes personalized, comfortable care and offers treatment for orthodontic emergencies, including problems that may occur with braces and other dental appliances.
Call us at (469) 526-4040 or schedule your appointment online.