It may be normal to panic should you discover that one of your brackets or wires is broken or loose, but if you want to avoid further damage, it’s important to remain calm. Orthodontic emergencies are not uncommon; specialists treat them all the time. However, there are certain steps you can take if you sustain an unexpected injury that affects your braces. Keep reading to find out what you can do to minimize delays and get the help you need.
What Can Cause Braces to Break?
Braces are meant to withstand daily chewing, eating, and talking, but they can break under excessive pressure. Whether you bite down on something hard (i.e., an apple) or suffer a hit to the mouth during a big game, broken braces are a possibility. What is most important in this type of situation is that you know what to do and how soon to seek professional help.
What Should You Do if Your Braces Break?
It’s never a good idea to disregard a broken bracket, loose archwire, or any other orthodontic emergency. Doing so could cause you to experience a significant delay in treatment and put you and your smile at risk of further injury. Instead, take the following steps to ensure your smile remains safe and protected until you see your orthodontist.
- Stay away from hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. These may be the initial cause of damage, but no matter what, don’t return to consuming these items. They can include raw vegetables, corn on the cob, hard bread, gummy candy, popcorn, nuts, ice, caramel, apples, carrots, and more.
- Use orthodontic wax to safeguard your soft oral tissues from additional damage. Broken pieces can rub against your lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks, causing sores and lacerations to occur.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. This helps minimize swelling and discomfort while also preventing infection. Orthodontists recommend doing this multiple times a day.
- Bring any broken pieces to your appointment. If possible, retrieve the bracket or band and bring it with you. Depending on the severity of the issue and the current state of the appliance, your orthodontist may be able to reuse it.
- Avoid trying to fix your braces yourself. This can be extremely harmful to your smile, especially if you reach for any kind of glue or adhesive. These products are toxic and highly ineffective in moist environments.
By staying calm and taking the necessary steps to protect your smile after an orthodontic injury, you can be sure that you’ll get the care you need so that your treatment stays on track.
About the Author
Dr. Aaron DeMaio is a trusted orthodontist who completed his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine before going on to pursue orthodontic training at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. As an integral part of the Treehouse Orthodontics team, he can administer emergency care to any patient suffering from an orthodontic injury. If you or your child is dealing with a broken bracket, band, or wire, visit our website or call one of our offices to speak to a member of our team.