What to Do If You Have a Broken Bracket: We’ve Got You Covered!

You’ve just noticed that your braces bracket is broken. Don’t panic! Things are more manageable than they seem. Whether it’s a bracket that’s come loose or a wire causing discomfort, we will help you navigate the situation! Let us fill you in on all the handy tips for keeping your smile safe until you can see Dr. Willett. 

Assess the Situation

Start by taking a moment to figure out exactly what’s broken. Is the bracket loose but still attached to the wire? Is the colored elastic just off but the bracket is still on the tooth? Is the wire displaced? For any of these situations, we have some quick adjustments, detailed below, that you can try at home.

Orthodontic Wax: Your Mouth’s Best Friend

If a broken bracket is poking your cheek or the wire is causing irritation, use some orthodontic wax! Just roll a little ball of wax and press it over the area, covering anything that might be poking out. Make sure your tooth/bracket and the area is as dry as you can make it. The wax will protect the inside of your mouth from the braces and provide a barrier to the sore while you wait for your next appointment with Dr. Willett. If you contact our office (phone or text is great!), we can adjust your upcoming appointment either in the time allotted or get you in sooner. 

Get in Touch With Us

If the bracket is loosely hanging, you can try to gently push it back into place so that is doesn’t create other areas of irritation. Our advice is different if the bracket has completely come off. In this situation, you don’t need to do anything other than let us know. Contact us to schedule or modify your appointment and we will get everything fixed for you! 

Avoiding the Breakage Blues

If you are looking to prevent a situation like this from happening, we’ve got some tips to avoid breakage mishaps:

• Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods.
• Wear a protective mouthguard when participating in sports or activities. (our office has them available to all patients at no extra charge!)
• Continue to attend your scheduled appointments! 

When to Call Us Right Away

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’ve accidentally swallowed a part of your appliance or your lips or tongue get stuck to your braces, don’t hesitate to give us a call right away at 402-489-8841! If needed, follow the prompts for our after-hours emergency line. We’re always here to help and make sure you’re taken care of!

Your Smile is Safe With Us 

While true orthodontic emergencies can be rare, broken brackets or poking wires can certainly happen. With a little patience and some quick fixes, we will help you get back on track to getting your perfect smile. If you ever need braces advice or simple reassurance, we are here to help!