What to Do if Your Braces Break: Quick Fixes and Solutions
Posted on November 20, 2024
Braces are a great solution for straightening teeth, but sometimes life happens, and your braces may break or get damaged. Whether it’s a loose bracket or a broken wire, don’t panic! Understanding how to address these issues will keep your treatment on track. Here’s what to do if your braces break and when to seek help from an orthodontist.
Common Braces Problems and Quick Fixes
While broken braces can seem alarming, most issues are manageable. Here’s a look at common braces problems and how to handle them before you can visit your orthodontist in Saginaw, MI.
Floating Bracket (Bracket Came Off)
A bracket that comes loose but is still attached to the wire is a relatively minor issue. While it may not cause immediate discomfort, it can irritate the inside of your mouth. Here’s what to do:
Fix: Use sanitized tweezers to gently slide the floating bracket to a more comfortable position, either between two teeth or back into place on the tooth.
Protection: If the bracket is uncomfortable, cover it with dental wax to avoid irritation until your orthodontist can reattach it.
Broken Wire
Broken archwires can poke into your cheeks, gums, or lips, causing painful cuts. If you notice a broken wire, here’s what to do:
Fix: Use small pliers or nail clippers to cut the protruding wire as safely as possible. Make sure the cut ends are smooth and neat.
Protection: If you’re not able to trim it, use orthodontic wax over the sharp ends to protect your mouth from further irritation.
Protruding Wire (Wire Comes Out of Bracket)
If the wire moves out of the last bracket and protrudes, it can cause discomfort, especially if it pokes into the soft tissues of your mouth.
Fix: Use small pliers or nail clippers to cut off the wire. Alternatively, apply orthodontic wax to the end to minimize discomfort.
Consultation: Contact your orthodontist to have the wire properly reattached or replaced.
Bent Wire
A bent wire can disrupt the alignment of your teeth and cause discomfort. Bending can occur due to eating hard foods or accidentally bumping the braces. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further complications.
Fix: If the wire is only slightly bent, try gently repositioning it with the back of a spoon or tweezers.
Treatment: If it’s more severely bent, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist for a replacement or adjustment.
Why Braces Break: Common Causes
Braces break for a variety of reasons, most of which can be prevented with a little extra care. Here are some common causes:
Eating Hard or Sticky Foods: Foods like hard candies, popcorn, ice, or sticky gum can damage brackets or bend wires.
Sporting Accidents: A blow to the face during sports or rough play can result in broken braces. Always wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports.
Poor Brushing and Flossing: If food gets stuck in your braces and isn’t removed, it can cause damage over time. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene.
To avoid breakage, try cutting hard foods into smaller pieces, and be cautious when chewing. Also, make sure to always wear a mouthguard during physical activities to protect your braces.
How to Heal Mouth Sores Caused by Braces
It’s common for people with braces to develop mouth sores or irritation, especially when the brackets or wires rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips. Here’s how to help:
Dental Wax: Place a small piece of orthodontic wax on the bracket to create a barrier between your braces and the inside of your mouth.
Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
Avoid Hard or Spicy Foods: Stick to soft, bland foods that won’t irritate your mouth further.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
If you experience any of the following, it’s important to get in touch with your orthodontist promptly:
Persistent pain or discomfort: If your braces are causing significant pain, it may be a sign of more serious damage.
Unresolved issues: If you can’t make a temporary fix or your braces are still causing discomfort after your quick fix, it’s time to see your orthodontist.
Treatment delays: Ignoring broken braces or wires can set back your treatment time, so it’s best to address problems as soon as they arise.
At MI Smile Journey Orthodontics in Saginaw & Frankenmuth, our team is ready to help you with any issues you may encounter during your orthodontic treatment. We’re here to make sure your braces stay in great condition and your journey to a beautiful smile stays on track.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
