Help! What Do I Do About a Broken Braces Bracket?
How tough are your braces? Today’s braces may be smaller and sleeker than the ones of the past, but they’re designed to be strong and reliable. Most are made of stainless steel or ceramic materials built to last. Even so, a broken or loose bracket can happen from time to time.
If you notice something feels off, don’t panic. Weaver Orthodontics can help you get it fixed quickly and safely.
What Can Break on Braces
Braces are made up of several small parts that work together to move your teeth. Here’s a quick refresher on what each piece does:
Bands fit around the back molars and act as anchors.
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic squares bonded to the front of each tooth.
Archwires connect the brackets and bands and apply gentle pressure to guide your teeth into alignment.
Some braces also use tiny rubber bands to hold the wire in place, while others include extra elastics to help with bite correction. All of these parts are designed to be durable, but sometimes daily life can put them to the test.
If a wire or bracket is rubbing against your cheek, a little dental wax can make a big difference.
What Should I Do With a Loose Bracket
If a bracket comes loose, try to stay calm.
In most cases, the loose bracket will stay attached to the archwire. If that happens, gently cover the area with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation and give us a call. We’ll schedule a time to check it and make any needed repairs.
If the bracket has completely detached, no need to keep it. We will bond a new bracket on the tooth the next time we see you.
If you accidentally swallow a bracket, don’t worry. Braces components are made from medical-grade, non-toxic materials and usually pass through your system without causing harm. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to contact your physician for reassurance.
What If a Braces Wire Breaks
If you notice a broken or poking wire, the first step is to keep it from irritating your mouth. Apply a small piece of orthodontic wax to the sharp area and give us a call to schedule a repair.
If you accidentally swallow a small elastic or a piece of wire, it should not cause harm, but you can always contact your healthcare provider for extra peace of mind.
What Causes a Broken Bracket or Wire
Braces are made to handle a lot, but a few things can still cause damage. The most common reason is eating foods that are too hard, sticky, or crunchy. Chewing ice, popcorn, hard candies, bagels, or raw carrots can all put pressure on your brackets and wires.
Chewing gum can also cause issues if it’s not the right kind. Some types are safer than others, especially sugar-free gum approved for orthodontic wearers. If you’re curious about which kinds are okay, this guide breaks down what’s fine to chew and what’s best to skip until your braces come off.
You can also damage braces by chewing on non-food items, such as fingernails, pens, or water bottle caps. And of course, any kind of impact to the mouth, such as a sports injury, can loosen or break parts of your braces. If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect both your teeth and your orthodontic appliances.
In rare cases, a bracket may not bond correctly to the tooth, especially if the surface wasn’t perfectly dry during placement. If that happens, we’ll simply re-bond it at your next visit.
FAQs About Braces Emergencies
What happens to my treatment if I have a broken bracket or wire?
A broken bracket or wire can slow your progress by reducing the pressure needed to move your teeth. Let us know if you have a broken bracket and we will schedule a morning appointment to repair the brace.
What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks?
Cover the area with orthodontic wax and call us as soon as possible. We’ll help determine whether you need to come in right away or if it can wait until your next visit.
Will it hurt me if I swallow a bracket or an elastic?
Our braces components are made from medical-grade, non-toxic materials. If you accidentally swallow one, it should not cause harm, but if you’re concerned, contact your doctor for reassurance.
Will I get in trouble if I break my braces while eating?
Not at all. Accidents happen, and we understand that sometimes even careful eaters can have something go wrong. We’ll repair it and remind you which foods to avoid until treatment is complete. Once your braces are off, you’ll have far fewer food restrictions. Just try to avoid habits like chewing ice or hard candy that can still chip or damage teeth.
How can I prevent my braces from breaking again?
The best way to protect your braces is to follow your dietary guidelines closely and avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods. Using a mouthguard during sports is also a smart move. If you’re unsure whether a food or habit could cause damage, give us a quick call — we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Treating Broken Braces in Swampscott, MA
Broken brackets and wires don’t happen often, but when they do, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Schedule an appointment at Weaver Orthodontics in Swampscott, MA. We will help you keep your new smile on track!
