4 Steps to Take If You’ve Broken Your Braces

Traditional braces are one of the most effective ways to straighten your smile. However, the metal brackets and wires are not indestructible. One wrong bite or one blow to the mouth and you can end up damaging them. While this can be a major setback for your treatment, there are certain measures for addressing the issue. Keep reading to learn the four steps to take if you’ve broken your braces so you can continue with your orthodontic process!

#1: Assess the Damage

You’ll first want to inspect the extent of the damage, as some situations may be more urgent than others. If you experienced a loose bracket that isn’t causing you any discomfort, then you might be able to wait a day or two before getting the necessary treatment. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a protruding wire that’s harming your soft oral tissues, you’ll need to seek emergency dental care right away.

#2: Notify Your Orthodontist

Once you’ve assessed the damage to your braces, you’ll want to call your orthodontist and inform them of your situation. They can schedule an appointment for you and provide specific instructions on how to address your condition until you can visit. The last thing you’d want is to try remedying the damage yourself and worsening your braces, which can delay your treatment plan and cost you more money.

#3: Avoid Eating Chewy, Sticky, or Hard Foods

Even if you have a couple of hours or a few days until you visit your orthodontist, you’ll have to stay away from sticky, chewy, and hard meals. Munching on foods like apples, nuts, raw carrots, caramel, and gum can end up exacerbating the problem. If you need to eat something, be sure to stick with softer meals that won’t require excessive chewing, such as applesauce, soup, yogurt, and oatmeal.

#4: Alleviate Any Discomfort

While broken braces may not always be severe, there are several things you can do if it’s causing you discomfort. If there’s a sharp wire that’s cutting into your gums or soft oral tissue, try covering it with dental wax for protection. Afterward, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to both relieve discomfort and fight off harmful bacteria. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers and/or apply an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce any swelling and numb the area.

It can be stressful to manage broken braces if you aren’t sure what to do. By following these steps, you can receive the quick, effective treatment necessary to get you back on track with straightening your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Connie Lai is an orthodontist who studied at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. She also regularly seeks continuing education to expand her skills and is a proud member of the American Board of Orthodontics. She provides a wide range of high-quality services, including traditional braces. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 732-582-4224.