While wearing braces, you may worry that you might accidentally break your metal appliances. The idea of a poking or protruding bracket or wire doesn’t sound like something you want to experience, but the reality is that if you’re not careful, it can certainly happen. But what should you do if faced with broken braces in Ripon? Dr. Fran explains three easy steps you should take to seek help and minimize further damage.
How to Handle Broken Braces
If you have a broken bracket or wire in Ripon, there are three steps you can to take to avoid any additional damage to your soft oral tissues and teeth. These include:
- Reviewing the damage to understand the severity of the breakage. Call your orthodontist’s office and explain the situation. If you have taken a good look, you will provide the team with a better idea of how soon you should get in to see your orthodontist.
- Find ways to address the issue at home, if possible. This may include using orthodontic wax to hold a loose bracket in place, moving a protruding wire into alignment with a rubber eraser, or bringing the loose band or spacer with you to your appointment. It is important to call our office if you have experienced a problem. We can help you troubleshoot.
- Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist so the problem can be fixed. We want to reduce any the potential delays that can happen in treatment due to broken brackets or attachments.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Waiting for Your Appointment
When calling to schedule your appointment, you can expect the staff at your orthodontist’s office to offer helpful tips while you wait. By following this advice, you can minimize the chance of additional damage to your appliances and mouth.
Some tips to consider include:
- Rinsing with salt water to encourage quicker healing should oral sores form inside your mouth from broken brackets or protruding wires.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover broken wires that may poke at your soft oral tissues.
- Use a rubber pencil eraser to gently move a wire back into place and keep it from sticking into your cheeks, lips, or gums.
- Stay away from hard, crunchy foods that will apply more pressure to already damaged braces.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort.
- Keep any broken pieces of your braces and bring them with you to your appointment if that is possible. It will help us understand what has happened.
- If you lost or damaged your clear aligners, make sure to keep your previous set and wear them until you get in to see your orthodontist.
It’s natural to worry should you experience a broken bracket; however, you can trust that your orthodontist will take care of the problem and get your smile back on track. By following these tips and taking the appropriate steps, you can expect to be well on your way to a straighter, healthier smile in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Frances Hamman completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in 1991 and went on to receive a degree in orthodontics from Case Western Reserve University two years later. As a trusted orthodontist in Ripon, she remains committed to helping patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles. But she’s also available should a serious injury or accident occur while wearing braces. Offering quick and effective solutions, she and her team at Sensational Smiles can remedy the situation and reduce the chances of delayed treatment. If you’re unsure what to do if your braces accidentally break, contact us via the website or call (920) 748-7130.
