If you have braces, you already know how important it is to care for them to avoid a potential orthodontic emergency. However, even if you wear a mouthguard during physical activities and do your best to steer clear of overly hard or sticky foods, it’s possible for your brackets to break.
It’s natural to feel worried under these circumstances, but that won’t help you fix your orthodontics. Continue reading to learn about 3 proactive steps you can take to get back on track with your treatment!
#1: Assess the Damage
Often, you’ll feel a change in pressure or other indicator that something has happened with your braces. Before you do anything else, it’s important to find the root of the problem so you know what you’re working with. Sometimes, the glue bonding your bracket to your enamel weakens, and the metal slips off. Other times, the wire or brace breaks and needs to be replaced.
Taking a moment to look over your teeth can let you know what needs to be done next. Remember, if the metal has fractured, pieces may still be in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow them.
#2: Address Discomfort
You don’t want a broken bracket to slice up the tender tissue on the insides of your lips, cheeks, or gums. The sharp metal edges can be dangerous, but you can smooth them out by placing a small amount of orthodontic wax over the problem area.
Then, you can disinfect your mouth with a gentle salt water rinse. Mix ½ teaspoon of regular table salt into a cup of warm water and stir it until it’s dissolved. Then, swish it around your teeth for 30 to 60 seconds. This can kill any unwanted germs as well as reduce swelling and the risk of infection.
#3: Don’t Fix Them Yourself
Many patients in this predicament falsely believe that they can take care of the problem themselves. It’s tempting to try to repair the break with super glue or other adhesives, but these are not intended for oral use and can be toxic if they’re ingested. Plus, the glue might harm your teeth or even stick them together so you can’t open your mouth.
Instead, gather up any pieces of metal that may have fallen out and take them with you, then schedule an appointment to see your orthodontist.
Once they’ve examined your condition, your provider can help repair or replace your bracket so that you can move forward with your treatment plan!
About the Practice
Patients at Willow Bend Orthodontics of Plano benefit from several board-certified specialists who offer a full array of services to straighten their smiles. They welcome patients of all ages and take the time to get to know their unique needs so they can build a fully individualized solution. They undergo ongoing advanced training and utilize state-of-the-art equipment for enhanced comfort and more accurate results. If you’ve broken a bracket and need a same-day appointment, you can contact the office on the website or call (972) 732-1400.