Broken Braces? What To Do if a Bracket or Wire Breaks

Broken wires and brackets can pose some serious risks. If left unchecked, they not only increase the risk of infection but also your treatment will take longer.

Common side effects include:

• Discomfort: when the wire pokes inside your mouth
• Cuts: can lead to bleeding and mouth infection
• Sores: A Broken wire can irritate the tissues, leading to mouth sores
• Infection: Cuts and sores caused by the broken braces can lead to an infection

What to Do if Your Bracket and Wire Break

While orthodontic treatment is beneficial, braces can break. Below are some tips you need to know when your bracket or wire breaks.

Step 1: Stay Calm

Broken braces should not make you panic. Ensure you stay calm, as broken braces aren’t considered a dental emergency. They are easily fixable.

Step 2: Inspect Your Teeth and Braces

Once you realise you have broken braces, you need to inspect your teeth and braces. If the small brackets are loose, remove them carefully and ensure not to swallow them. Also, check out your teeth and ensure there’s no additional damage.

Step 3: Try Some Temporary At-Home Remedies

If your wire or bracket breaks, there are things you can try at home to protect your mouth. Here are some quick fixes you can attempt:

Orthodontic Wax – Got protruding wires or floating brackets? You can use orthodontic wax to keep the brackets from rubbing on the inside of your mouth.

To do this, take a small piece of wax and roll it into a small ball with your fingers. Then, flatten the wax and gently press it onto the floating brackets or protruding wires. This type of wax is available to buy in Boots!

Pencil Eraser or Cotton Swab – If you have a protruding wire, use a soft object like a cotton swab or a pencil eraser to push the wire until it rests against your teeth. Ensure you apply gentle pressure so you don’t irritate the inside of your mouth.

Clipping – Broken wires can stick out and hurt your mouth. If the wire is still attached to the small bracket but protruding, you can use nail clippers to trim the broken wire. Clipping a protruding wire should be a last resort as it can be dangerous.

Place a piece of gauze or tissue around the area to clip the wire safely. This can help trap the clipped wire so you don’t swallow it.

Step 4: Control Pain

You may feel discomfort if a broken brace causes a cut or sore. To find relief, you can:

• Rinse your mouth with salt water
• Use over-the-counter medication
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods as they may irritate the sore or cut
• Choose foods and drinks that are soft

Step 5: Schedule an Orthodontist Appointment

At-home remedies are sometimes not enough; ensure you see an orthodontist as soon as possible.

Staying with a loose brace can negatively impact your treatment. Your orthodontist will fix the bracket and wires, ensuring they apply a force that works to adjust your teeth and jaw.

Moreover, they can deal with various complications you may have, such as cuts, sores, and discomfort.