Broken Bracket On Braces: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention Tips
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A broken bracket on braces is more common than you might think and can be a frustrating setback in your orthodontic journey. Whether you’re a teen adjusting to your new braces or an adult nearing the end of treatment, breaking a bracket can feel like a hassle. Not only does it cause discomfort, but it may also slow down the progress of your treatment. Brackets are key components of your braces system, helping to guide your teeth into proper alignment. When they break or come loose, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further complications. So, what exactly causes broken brackets, and how can you prevent them in the future?
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of broken brackets, the immediate steps to take when one occurs, and essential tips to avoid future damage.
Common Causes of Broken Brackets On Braces
Eating Hard Foods
Biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy can put too much pressure on your braces, causing brackets to break or come loose.
Eating Sticky Foods
Sticky foods such as caramel or chewing gum can get stuck in your braces. Trying to pull them off can damage or break the brackets.
Sports Injuries
Accidents during sports or physical activities can cause direct hits to your mouth, which may break or loosen the brackets.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss properly, plaque and food can build up around the brackets. This weakens the adhesive and can cause brackets to fall off.
Braces Adjustments
During your regular orthodontic visits, the adjustments to your braces might sometimes put pressure on the brackets and cause them to loosen or break.
What Is The Immediate Solutions When A Bracket Breaks?
Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
The first thing you should do is stay calm. Carefully inspect the bracket to see if it’s completely broken or just loose. If it’s still attached to the wire but slightly displaced, it may not need immediate repair but should still be addressed as soon as possible.
Try to Reattach the Bracket
If the bracket is still attached but loose, you can gently attempt to reposition it using clean tweezers. This won’t fix the problem long-term, but it may keep the bracket in place until your orthodontist can repair it.
Use Orthodontic Wax
If the broken bracket is causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax over the sharp edges. This will help prevent irritation to your gums and cheeks until you get in to see your orthodontist.
Keep the Broken Piece
If the bracket breaks off completely, make sure to save the piece. Bring it to your next orthodontist appointment, as they may be able to reuse it or use it to help fix your braces.
Contact Your Orthodontist Immediately
Even if the situation seems minor, it’s important to contact your orthodontist right away. They can provide instructions on how to handle the situation and schedule a repair appointment. Delaying treatment could slow down your progress.
Prevention Tips To Avoid A Broken Bracket On Braces
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Hard foods like nuts, ice, and sticky candies can easily damage your brackets. Cutting tough foods into smaller pieces and avoiding sticky items can help protect your braces from unnecessary stress.
Practice Gentle Brushing
Brushing your teeth and braces gently helps prevent loosening or damaging the brackets. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid scrubbing too harshly to keep your braces intact.
Be Cautious While Playing Sports
Sports and physical activities can increase the chances of breaking brackets. Wearing a mouthguard during high-impact sports can protect your braces from being hit or knocked out of alignment.
Regular Check-ups with Your Orthodontist
Regular visits to an orthodontist ensure that any weak or damaged parts of your braces are addressed early. These check-ups can prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Care Instructions
Adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions regarding food, care, and maintenance helps avoid bracket breakage. Following their advice on when to wear elastics and how to care for your braces ensures smooth treatment.
Takeaway
Dealing with a broken bracket on braces can be frustrating, but with the right steps and care, you can manage it without causing too much disruption to your treatment. By understanding the common causes of bracket breakage and applying the immediate solutions and prevention tips we discussed, you can ensure your braces continue to work effectively and efficiently. Remember, following your orthodontist’s guidance and being cautious with food and activities will help you avoid future issues.
Ready To Fix That Broken Bracket?
At City of Lights Dental, we are here to help you keep your braces in excellent condition. Whether you’re a new or current patient, we can assist you with any bracket-related issues. Book your consultation today. call us at. (630) 216-4019, or visit our clinic at 1940 W Galena Blvd Suite 11 Aurora, IL 60506-4483
FAQs
If a bracket completely comes off, save it and contact your orthodontist immediately. In some cases, it may be possible to reattach it without interrupting your treatment.
A broken bracket may cause slight delays, but as long as it is addressed quickly, your treatment timeline can usually remain on track.
Orthodontic wax can help cover the sharp edges of a broken bracket temporarily to prevent discomfort until you can see your orthodontist.
