Orthodontic braces are very durable, but they are certainly not invincible. If you take a hard fall, eat the wrong kind of food, or experience other mishaps, they could incur damage. What should you do if you accidentally break your braces? Do not panic. Instead, follow the practical steps outlined in this blog post.
Call Your Orthodontist
The first action you should take when your braces break is contact your orthodontist. When you reach out, provide detailed information about what happened. Include the following information during your call:
- The specific part of your braces that broke, such as a wire or bracket.
- How the damage occurred, whether it was due to eating, a fall, or another incident.
- Any pain or discomfort you are experiencing as a result of the issue.
Your orthodontist will advise you on what immediate steps you can take and determine whether an emergency appointment is required.
If you do need an emergency appointment, your care team will schedule you for as soon as possible. When you arrive, your orthodontist will inspect the damage and repair your braces so your treatment can get back on track.
Important note: If you suffered any significant oral injuries when you broke your braces, you may need to visit your general dentist for emergency care. For example, they can help if you cracked or chipped a tooth.
Prevent the Situation from Worsening
While you are waiting for your orthodontic appointment, you can take steps to prevent the damage from worsening. You should:
- Avoid eating foods that can exert pressure on your braces. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods are especially risky.
- If a wire is protruding, apply orthodontic wax to cover it. This will minimize irritation to your cheeks, gums, or tongue. You can also use a pencil eraser to gently push it so it is flat against your teeth.
- If a bracket is loose but still attached, you can try to secure it in place with a bit of orthodontic wax. Otherwise, do not try to touch it or adjust it.
Prevent Future Incidents
Broken braces can happen to anyone, but you can reduce your risk of future incidents by applying some preventive measures:
- Follow dietary choices recommended by your orthodontist. Soft foods like pasta, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are safe options.
- Use a mouthguard when engaging in physical activities, such as sports or any activity where impacts may occur. A custom mouthguard designed for use with braces is a better option than over-the-counter products.
- Keep up with good oral hygiene so accumulations of plaque and food debris do not get caught in your braces and damage them.
Broken braces are inconvenient! If you ever experience this problem, get in touch with your orthodontist and take other steps to get your treatment back on track ASAP.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is an experienced orthodontist who is proud to serve the Houston community. He and our team try to accommodate emergency cases as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns about how to manage issues that may occur during orthodontic treatment, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 713-589-7996.
