Step 1: Don’t panic! Broken brackets and wires are not the end of the world. In fact, these situations are relatively common.
Maybe you slipped up and ate something on the do-not-eat-with-braces list. (We know you didn’t intend to binge on those caramel candies, but they quickly became irresistible. It happens.) Now you run your tongue across your braces and notice a loose bracket or a wire popped out of place.
Or maybe you were playing at basketball practice without wearing a mouthguard and the ball spiraled straight toward your face. (First of all, that’s why mouthguards are so important! Always wear a mouthguard when there’s a chance of impact.)
Either scenario can leave you with your braces wire poking out from a back bracket, a bent wire, or a loose bracket. No matter how you found yourself in this situation, here’s what to do:
How to Handle a Broken Bracket
If one of your brackets breaks and you still have the bracket, secure it in a ziploc bag and bring it to us as soon as possible. Give us a call to let us know what happened, and we’ll prioritize your visit to ensure that we fix your braces and get your treatment plan back on track.
If your bracket broke off and you can’t find the bracket to put it in a ziploc, that’s okay! Don’t panic and don’t worry about it.
If your bracket is still attached to your wire and it’s poking or irritating your cheek, use some orthodontic wax to cover the piece until you’re able to visit us! If you notice your bracket loosening, be extra careful not to swallow the bracket.
How to Handle a Loose Wire on Braces
If your archwire pops out of place or you have a bent wire on your braces, try to push the wire back down, toward your teeth. Wash your hands, then grab a Q-tip or a pencil eraser to push the wire away from your cheeks.
If you aren’t able to move the wire, that’s okay. You can use some orthodontic wax to cover the end of the wire and protect your mouth from irritation. If the wire is long, you can use nail clippers to clip the wire. Cover the back of your mouth with a paper towel to prevent swallowing clipped pieces.
Call Us Immediately
No matter which situation you experience, give us a call as soon as possible.
Our first priority is to alleviate any discomfort you’re experiencing as soon as possible, and our second priority is to fix the bracket or wire to make sure that your smile transformation isn’t delayed.
When you call us, we’ll prioritize your visit to see you as soon as possible! We don’t want you to live with a broken bracket or loose wire for long. This can be uncomfortable and if your braces are broken for too long, we may have to alter your treatment plan.
Do your best to prevent broken brackets and loose wires so you don’t have to visit us! (Even though we’d love to see you, we know you’re busy.) Don’t eat hard, chewy, sticky foods that may damage your braces and always wear a mouthguard during sports.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to answer all of your questions. We want your treatment process to be as smooth, comfortable and efficient as possible.
Have you received your complimentary consultation yet? Request one for you or your child today! A beautiful, healthy smile begins with your no-obligation, complimentary orthodontic exam.