Broken braces or wires may seem alarming, but don’t worry – taking quick, informed action can make all the difference. Whether you or your teen is going through orthodontic treatment, knowing how to handle such situations can prevent further damage and ease discomfort.
At Damon Orthodontics, our goal is to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your treatment stays on track. Here is everything you need to know about broken bracket braces and what you need to do about it.
Understanding Broken Bracket Braces and Wires
First, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a “break.”
Broken Bracket: A bracket is the small square piece attached to each tooth that holds the wire in place. You may notice a broken bracket if it becomes detached from the tooth or slides along the wire.
Broken Wire: A broken wire means the thin archwire connecting the brackets has snapped or bent, which can result in discomfort and affect your treatment progress.
What Causes Broken Braces Bracket or Wires?
There are several reasons why a bracket or wire may break during orthodontic treatment, including:
- Eating hard and sticky foods that can put too much pressure on the brackets and wires.
- Accidentally biting down on a hard object, such as ice or pens.
- Sports-related injuries or accidents.
- Poor oral hygiene leading to plaque buildup and weakening of the braces’ adhesive bond.
Being mindful of these triggers can reduce the chance of a break happening.
What To Do If You Experience A Broken Bracket Or Wire?
The first step is not to panic! While it may seem like a big deal, broken brackets and wires are common occurrences during orthodontic treatment.
Here’s what you should do:
1) Assess the damage: Check if the bracket or wire is causing any discomfort or irritation in your mouth. If so, gently try to move it back into place using tweezers (for brackets) or a pencil eraser (for wires).
2) Contact your orthodontist: Even if the bracket or wire doesn’t cause any discomfort, it’s essential to let your orthodontist know about the break. They will advise you on whether you need to schedule an appointment for repair or can wait until your next scheduled visit.
3) Take care of your mouth: If the broken bracket or wire is causing irritation to your mouth, you can use dental wax to cover the sharp edges temporarily. Rinsing with warm saltwater can also help soothe any discomfort and promote healing.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Broken Bracket Or Wire?
If left unaddressed, a broken bracket or wire can prolong your treatment time and lead to further complications. For instance, a displaced bracket can cause the tooth to move in the wrong direction, slowing down progress towards your desired smile.
Moreover, a broken wire can poke against your cheeks, lips, or tongue, leading to cuts and discomfort. In extreme cases, it may even pierce through the soft tissues of your mouth and result in infection.
Preventing Broken Bracket Braces And Wires
While accidents can happen anytime and are sometimes unavoidable, you can take precautions to minimize the risk of broken brackets and wires during orthodontic treatment:
Avoid foods that can damage braces: Stay away from sticky, hard, and crunchy foods that can cause brackets or wires to loosen or break. These include candies, popcorn, nuts, ice cubes, and chewing gum.
Wear a mouth guard: If you play sports or engage in physical activities, it’s essential to wear a mouth guard to protect your braces from any impact or injury. Speak with your orthodontist about getting a custom-made mouth guard that fits comfortably over your braces.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly is crucial for keeping your braces clean and preventing plaque buildup. Poor oral hygiene can weaken the adhesive bond between the brackets and teeth, increasing the risk of breakage.
Tips for Managing Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some level of discomfort when braces or wires break. Here are quick tips to ease the pain until your orthodontist can assist:
- Apply Orthodontic Wax: Smooth over rough or sharp areas to protect the inside of your mouth.
- Use Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce irritation and keep the area clean.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, take standard pain relievers like acetaminophen to manage soreness.
Damon Orthodontics Is Here to Help
At Damon Orthodontics, we are committed to ensuring your orthodontic experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our services include a variety of modern treatments tailored to fit your needs, including:
- Damon Braces: A revolutionary self-ligating system that requires fewer adjustments and ensures faster treatment with greater comfort.
- Damon Clear Braces: A nearly invisible option that delivers the same great results as traditional braces.
- Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign®: Clear, removable aligners for those seeking an alternative to traditional braces.
Each treatment option is designed to keep you smiling throughout your orthodontic journey.
Why Choose Damon Orthodontics?
With 50 years of expertise and consistently being rated Spokane’s top orthodontists, Dr. Clay and Dr. Paul Damon bring the highest standards of care to every patient. We combine cutting-edge technology and personalized attention to deliver shorter treatment times, fewer appointments, and beautiful, lasting results.
Your Journey to a Confident Smile Starts Here
Broken bracket braces or wires can disrupt your treatment or lead to complications if ignored. Taking immediate action, reaching out to a trusted orthodontist, and managing any discomfort can keep your progress on track.
If you’re currently dealing with a broken braces bracket or wire, or have any questions about your braces at all, don’t hesitate to contact Damon Orthodontics at one of our convenient Spokane locations. We’re here to provide exceptional care and ensure your smile stays on its path to perfection.
Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online to get the support you need!