When people first get their braces, they’re often given all kinds of instruction for how to properly take care of them. They’re often told that there’s a list of foods that orthodontic patients need to avoid and care tips to keep in mind or else they might snap a wire.
However, they’re rarely told what they need to do if that should ever come to pass, leaving them a little unprepared if their braces break. If you’re in that situation, here’s what your next steps should be.
Step 1: Analyze
The first thing you’ll need to do when you notice that your braces have broken is to inspect the damage. If you aren’t fully aware of what’s happening in your mouth you risk accidentally making the situation even worse, or even hurting yourself inadvertently.
Step 2: Stabilize
Once you have a good sense of what the issue is, you can take measures to address the issue until you can make it to the dentist’s office. How you do this will depend on the issue you’re facing:
- Loose bracket: If a bracket becomes loose, save it and see your orthodontist. If the wire is still attached, use orthodontic wax to cover it.
- Protruding or broken wire: Try to move it gently; if it persists, cover it with wax until you see your orthodontist.
- Loose spacer: If it moves or falls out, it’s likely time for bands to be placed.
- Loose band: Don’t try to reattach it yourself; save it and see your orthodontist.
Step 3: Reach Out
Once your situation is relatively stable and you aren’t at any short-term risk of discomfort, you should call your orthodontist. In many situations they’ll be happy to schedule you an emergency appointment and bring you in the same day.
Until you make it to the dentist’s office, you’ll just need to be gentle with your braces. Make sure that you don’t dislodge any orthodontic wax or do anything to cause the orthodontics further damage. Once you make it to the dentist’s office, you’ll be feeling back to normal in no time at all!
About the Author
Dr. Isaak Yelizar was always self-conscious about his teeth as a kid. It wasn’t until he got braces that he realized the powerful of a beautiful smile, and he feels enormously proud to be able to help people experience that joy in their own lives. Dr. Yelizar received his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry where he was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
If you have any questions about your braces, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (929) 229-1009.