Brackets and wires of braces can break for a variety of reasons.
It could be the result of biting down on a hard food item, an accident, rough brushing or flossing, or any other unexpected event.
Here’s what you can do if one of your brackets gets damaged.
- Try to press the loose wire as close to the bracket as possible and hold it in place with orthodontic wax.
- If the bracket comes off the tooth, try to carefully remove it from the wire and keep it in a safe place until it can be reattached.
What about if the wire is torn?
- Use nail clippers to trim the stray end of the wire as close to your tooth as possible.
- Press the wire against your teeth and cushion it with wax to prevent injury.
Broken orthodontia isn’t always the most pressing emergency. If your situation has you in pain or makes it difficult to eat or talk, then by all means, the team here at East Cobb Orthodontics will prioritize your care!
In the meantime, you can improve your situation by:
- Taking a painkiller or applying a topical oral gel
- Swishing your mouth gently with salt water to help any wounds to heal
- Sticking to a diet of softer-than-usual foods so that the situation doesn’t get any worse
Don’t worry, a couple days with broken braces won’t affect the outcome of your treatment!
When you call our office to plan a visit for broken orthodontia, let us know what happened and what pieces you were able to save. That way, we can be well prepared to see you and help you.