Having trouble with a loose or damaged bracket? The good news is that this is a pretty common problem that is easy to fix. We got you some advice on what to do if a bracket on your braces breaks.
What Factors Contribute to Bracket Breakage?
To begin, let’s examine why races often become damaged:
- Eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
- Blunt-force trauma (typically a sports injury)
- Rough brushing or flossing
- Low bond strength (usually caused by wet conditions during placement)
What to Do When a Bracket Comes Off Your Braces
However the loose or broken bracket occurred, you should contact your orthodontist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
How long can you go before you have to fix a loose bracket? This is a question with no easy answer; some patients will need to be seen immediately, while others can wait until their regularly scheduled appointment time. Whatever the case may be, a quick phone call is strongly advised.
While the problem can be fixed quickly and easily, you run the risk of slicing your tongue or cheek on the broken piece until it is repaired. As an additional option, you could try swallowing the shard if it’s small enough.
If a broken piece is bothering or hurting you, you can try moving it up with a q-tip. Orthodontic wax may also be used for temporary relief before you can visit us at CaliSmile Orthodontics.
Whenever you find a missing bracket, set it aside and bring it with you to your next appointment. Don’t worry if some of the braces bracket glue has fallen off; doing so will speed up the repair process.
No matter what caused your loose or broken bracket, you need to call your orthodontist as soon as you notice it to schedule an emergency appointment.
Repairing a Bracket: How Do You Do It?
First things first when you visit our CaliSmile West Hills Orthodontic office: damage assessment. Repairing a damaged bracket is usually a straightforward process.
Primarily, we’ll see if the bracket is still attached to the archwire inside your mouth. The tooth is stripped of any remaining adhesive before being washed, polished, and dried. The bracket is rebonded after new adhesive is applied. The archwire is then reinserted and adjusted for fit. Simply put, that’s how easy it is!
How much it will cost to fix a broken bracket depends on the nature of the damage and the extent of the repairs.
Advice on Keeping Your Braces in One Piece
Adhering strictly to the instructions given to you by your trusted orthodontist is the best way to keep your braces in good working order.
Some of the most reliable methods for keeping your orthodontic appliances in good shape are as follows:
- Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods (this includes vegetables and even ice cubes!)
- Practice proper oral care
- Wear a protective mouthguard when playing sports
- Avoid biting down on pens or pencils
If you feel that one of your brackets has become loose or has broken, it’s best to alert your trusted orthodontist right away to get the issue sorted out quickly.
The Finest Encino and West Hills Orthodontist
Looking for the “best orthodontist near me” in Los Angeles County? When you need assistance, CaliSmile Orthodontics is here to provide you with the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Dr. Amir Dehghan is a very skilled orthodontist, and he and his staff have been making beautiful smiles for years. Dr. Amir is prepared to use his 17 years of experience to give you the smile of your dreams using traditional braces.
Do you want to learn more about the adult braces options in Encino and West Hills? Call us at (310) 710-6527 or use our easy online form to make an appointment for a free, in-depth consultation at any of our orthodontic offices in Los Angeles County.
