You may find that when you initially receive your braces, you’re very careful about each task you perform. From eating and brushing your teeth to engaging in outdoor activities, you want to be mindful of anything that might damage your new appliances. But no matter what preventive measures you are taking, there is always a chance you could end up with broken braces. To help you be prepared in case of an orthodontic emergency, a local orthodontist shares what you can do to address the problem, protect your smile, and avoid serious delays in treatment.
Stay Calm and Examine the Problem
No matter the cause of your broken appliances, you’ll want to make sure that you remain calm and review the problem area. By inspecting your braces and determining where the issue exists, you can better explain to your orthodontist what happened and what is currently going on when calling to schedule an appointment. This will allow the team member you’re speaking with to determine the severity and urgency of the situation when finding an available time for you to come in.
Inquire About At-Home Tips
When talking to a team member in your orthodontist’s office, find out if there are any tips you can use while at home. These can help you avoid further damage to your appliances and/or smile:
- Loose Bracket – Use orthodontic wax to hold a loose bracket in place, or if it can be easily removed, place it in a Ziploc bag or container and bring it with you to your appointment. Your orthodontist will then use an adhesive to bond it back into place.
- Broken Wire – Use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently move the protruding wire back into place. You might also place some orthodontic wax over the area to avoid irritation to your soft oral tissues.
You might also consider rinsing with salt water to cleanse your mouth of any debris and avoid infection. This can be helpful should you experience swelling or pain as a result of your broken braces.
Avoid Additional Discomfort While You Wait
Because you may be unable to get in right away to see your orthodontist, it is best if you keep a few tips in mind to avoid causing further damage or discomfort to your oral cavity:
- Do not use superglue or other adhesives to try and re-bond your broken bracket or wire
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can cause even more damage to your braces
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the last thing you want is broken braces. But should you face this type of situation, remember these steps to ensure the health and safety of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Buchwald is a trusted orthodontist who completed his dental education at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Earning various rewards throughout his time in college, he went on to complete a three-year orthodontic residency at Texas A&M University’s Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. There, he earned a certificate in orthodontics and a master’s degree in oral biology. At Buchwald Orthodontics, he and his team are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful smile. If faced with an orthodontic emergency, you can contact us via our website or call (972) 377-5940.