Braces are built to be durable, but sometimes life happens, a bite into something too crunchy, a sports accident, or even normal wear and tear can cause a bracket to come loose or break. If you or your child experiences a broken bracket, don’t panic! At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we’re here to help Greensboro families handle orthodontic emergencies with ease.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to do if a bracket breaks and how to stay comfortable until you can visit us for a repair.
What is a Bracket, and Why Does it Break?
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic squares that are bonded to each tooth. They hold the archwire in place and help guide your teeth into alignment. While they’re designed to withstand normal chewing and brushing, they can sometimes break if:
- You bite into something hard (think popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candy)
- You accidentally bump your mouth during sports
- The bonding adhesive weakens over time
Immediate Steps to Take for a Broken Bracket
If you notice a loose or broken bracket, here’s how to handle it:
1. Assess the Situation
Take a close look in the mirror (or have a parent help). Is the bracket still attached to the wire, or has it completely come off? Is the wire poking into your cheek or gums? Knowing what’s going on will help when you call for guidance.
2. Call Our Team
The best thing you can do is call our Greensboro office as soon as possible. Our team will let you know whether you need an emergency visit or if the issue can wait until your next scheduled appointment.
3. Protect Your Mouth
If the broken bracket is irritating the inside of your mouth, you can:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges.
- Gently push the wire into a more comfortable position using a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser.
- If the bracket is completely loose, remove it if possible and store it in a clean container to bring to your appointment.
4. Stick to Soft Foods
To avoid further damage, skip crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods until the bracket is repaired. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
Is a Broken Bracket an Emergency?
Not all broken brackets require an immediate emergency visit, but it’s important to let us know about the issue. We can help you decide if you need to come in right away or if it’s safe to wait until your next appointment.
Call us right away if:
- The wire is poking into your cheek, gums, or tongue.
- You’re experiencing significant discomfort.
- You’ve lost the bracket entirely.
How to Prevent Broken Brackets in the Future
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of future bracket breaks:
- Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. This includes popcorn, caramel, ice, and crunchy snacks.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports. Especially for contact sports like basketball, soccer, and football.
- Brush and floss gently. Aggressive brushing can put stress on your brackets.
- Follow all care instructions. Our team at Robert Stoner Orthodontics will provide personalized tips to keep your braces in great shape.
At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we know that orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but you’re never alone. Our caring team is here to help Greensboro patients stay comfortable and on track with their smile goals, even when unexpected issues pop up.
If you or your child has a broken bracket, don’t wait, give us a call so we can help you handle the situation quickly and comfortably.