Braces are a fantastic way to achieve a confident, healthy smile, but sometimes ortho emergencies happen. One common issue is a broken bracket. If you’re dealing with this, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do right away before seeing your trusted orthodontist in Surrey.
This post will walk you through the immediate steps to handle a broken bracket and keep your treatment on track.
Understanding the Role of Brackets in Braces
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic pieces that are bonded to your teeth. They hold the archwire in place and guide your teeth into the correct position.
When a bracket breaks or becomes loose, it can delay your treatment if not managed properly. Brackets can break due to:
- Eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
- Playing contact sports without a mouthguard
- Accidental trauma or injury
- Poor oral hygiene, weakening the adhesive
Signs Your Braces Bracket Is Broken or Loose
Here’s what to watch for:
A Loose Bracket
- Moves when you touch it with your finger or tongue
- Spins on the wire
- Feels uncomfortable against your cheek
A Detached Bracket
- Completely off your tooth
- Dangling on the wire or has fallen out
- Causes poking or scraping inside your mouth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely your bracket is broken or detached.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately
Until you can visit your orthodontist in Surrey, follow these steps to minimize discomfort and prevent further issues.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
First, take a deep breath. A broken bracket isn’t dangerous, and most ortho emergencies can be managed temporarily at home.
Use a mirror and check how bad the break is. Is the bracket still attached to the wire? Has it come off completely? Knowing the situation will help you take the next steps properly.
2. Use Orthodontic Wax for Relief
Here’s how to use it:
- Wash your hands
- Dry the bracket area.
- Roll a small piece of wax into a ball.
- Press it gently over the broken or loose bracket.
This will smooth sharp edges and reduce irritation until you visit your nearest orthodontics provider.
3. Remove a Completely Detached Bracket (If Safe)
If the bracket has come off the wire and is floating around in your mouth, you can carefully remove it to prevent swallowing or choking.
Use sanitized tweezers to gently pull it out. Place it in a small container and bring it with you to your orthodontist appointment.
Never try to reattach the bracket yourself.
4. Use Salt Water Rinses
If your bracket caused any cuts or sores inside your mouth, a warm salt water rinse can help soothe and clean the area.
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds, and repeat a few times a day.
5. Avoid Foods That Can Make It Worse
Until your braces are repaired, steer clear of:
- Hard or crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, or chips
- Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum
- Biting into whole fruits like apples—cut them into small pieces instead.
Soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup are great options.
6. Call your Orthodontist Immediately
Even if you’ve temporarily managed the issue, always contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
What Not to Do with a Broken Bracket
Sometimes, trying to “fix” things on your own can do more harm than good. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t cut the wire yourself
- Don’t use glue or adhesives to reattach brackets.
- Don’t ignore the problem—even if there’s no pain.
Let a professional handle the repair to ensure proper alignment and prevent setbacks.
How to Prevent Future Bracket Breaks
While accidents happen, many broken brackets can be avoided with a few lifestyle adjustments.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
Especially if you play contact sports, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can protect your braces and your smile.
Stick to Brace-Friendly Foods
Avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or hard. Instead, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t damage your brackets.
Brush and Floss Carefully
Being too rough while cleaning your teeth can dislodge brackets. Use a soft toothbrush and special orthodontic floss.
Don’t Use Teeth as Tools
Never use your teeth to open bottles, tear bags, or chew on pens. These habits can quickly lead to ortho emergencies.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Safe, and Call Dream Orthodontics
A broken bracket might feel like a big deal, but it’s usually manageable with the right approach.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly team at Dream Orthodontics. We’re experienced in handling ortho emergencies and will get you smiling again in no time.
Whether you’re wearing metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear braces, taking prompt action makes all the difference.