If you think you broke a piece of your braces, do not panic. Accidents happen and Dr. Reddick understands that. The first thing to do is to figure out what piece of your braces is broken. It could be the wire, a bracket, a loose band or spacer. Whatever the issue, look carefully at the situation and call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as you can. When pieces of braces break, it is not a dental emergency. But it does need to be taken care of right away so your braces can continue doing their job and your beautiful smile stays on schedule.

Try to make an appointment as fast as possible, as time is of the essence when it comes to broken appliances in braces. The last thing you want is the situation getting any worse. When you call to make an appointment, explain the entire situation so that the appointment can be scheduled for the appropriate amount of time and the repairs are able to be completed fully.

If your broken appliance has caused any sores in your mouth, try swishing with some salt water to sterilize the area and prevent infection. It is also crucial to stick with soft foods during this time to avoid any further damage to the area. Soups, yogurt, and soft breads are good options in the time leading up to your appointment. To avoid any problems becoming worse, follow these steps:

What To Do Right Now

-Broken Brackets

This is probably one of the most common orthodontic issues that patients face with braces. Broken brackets can occur for a number of reasons such as biting into hard food, brushing teeth too hard, or picking at the bracket. When broken brackets do happen, check to see if it is still attached to the wire. If the answer is yes, use some orthodontic wax to hold it in place until your appointment. If the bracket has come loose, put it in a safe place and bring it with you to Dr. Reddick’s office.

-Broken Wires

Another common problem, broken wires have the potential to hurt cheeks, tongue, and gums. Depending on how far the wire is sticking out, a small piece of orthodontic wax on the end may be able to create a barrier between the wire and your mouth that can eliminate the pain until your appointment with Dr. Reddick. If the wire is sticking out quite a bit on one end, try using a cotton swab to push the wire back far enough that it is no longer protruding and causing you discomfort.

-Loose Band

If the metal circles that are located in the back teeth come loose, avoid chewing on the band and call immediately for an appointment with Dr. Reddick. If a band comes off completely, keep it and bring it with to your appointment.

-Loose Spacer

The spacers, or rubber rings that are placed in between teeth to create a space, are typically only placed for a few days. If a spacer falls out or becomes extremely loose within these few days, call to make an appointment immediately. That is typically a sign that the spacer has done its job and the next step in your treatment should be underway.

What Dr. Reddick Will Do

The most important thing to do when something unexpected happens with your braces is to call Dr. Reddick and make an appointment. These are not uncommon issues with braces and Dr. Reddick has a great deal of experience in making corrections when they occur. Depending on the severity of the broken piece, the appointment time will vary. Sometimes broken brackets or wires take a bit of time to repair, but it needs to be done as soon as possible. Brackets and wires may need to be replaced, and that is nothing to be afraid of.

Prevention of issues is the best tip that can be offered when it comes to dealing with broken braces. Taking proper care of your orthodontic appliances can help you avoid any mishaps, extra appointments, and discomfort. Keep in mind that accidents can be avoided by staying away from certain foods, keeping braces clean, and not messing with the appliances.