Dealing with Broken Braces

Generally, you can expect few problems with your braces as long as you keep away from rough sports, accidents and injuries. Common problems with dental braces include bands or braces that have become loose, brackets that are broken and wires that are beginning to stick out. If you notice these problems, it is important to schedule an appointment to visit an orthodontist immediately. If there is a delay in visiting an orthodontist, and if these problems were not caused by injury, there are a few steps you can take to fix the problem on your own.

Common problems involve breaking, falling or loosening of the bands, braces or wires, causing discomfort.  

Bands or the rings that go around the front or back teeth can sometimes become loose.  If this happens, schedule an appointment with the orthodontist to get it replaced or cemented again. If it has come off, avoid trying to place it back.  Instead, save the band, and bring it with you when you visit the orthodontist.

Brackets or braces are made of ceramic or metal. These are attached to the teeth with glue made of composite resin. This material is very similar to the natural-colored material dentists use when they place a filling. When you eat something hard or chew sticky foods like caramel, the composite resin can become weak. Over a period of time, the weak resin can lead to the bracket becoming loose. When the braces become loose, they can begin to poke your tongue, and cause irritation to the cheek and gums. You can use a special wax to prevent the poking as a temporary measure. When you began orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will give you this special braces wax that can be used in emergencies like this. The wax will take away some of the sharpness of the loose braces, giving you some relief before your appointment.

Wires in your braces can be broken, and begin to protrude. When this happens, the broken wire can poke and hurt your tongue, gum or soft tissues of your mouth. Take a pencil, and use the eraser end to push the protruding wire into another position. If this doesn't help, take some orthodontic wax and apply it to the edge of the wire. If the frequent irritation from the wire has resulted in an oral sore, wash your mouth with an antiseptic rinse or warm saline solution. This will reduce irritation, and control inflammation. Common pain revealers like gels that work to numb the area, can also be used for relief. Don’t attempt to cut off the protruding wire because of the danger of swallowing or inhaling.

Sometimes, the separators or spacers that placed between your teeth can fall out.  These spaces are rings made of rubber that are left in between the teeth for a few days. They allow some gap to open between the teeth, enabling your orthodontist to slip the band onto the teeth with ease. These spacers can sometimes slide out of place, or fall out. In these situations, there is nothing that you can do to fix the problem on your own. Make an appointment to visit your orthodontists as soon as possible.