Eating hard or sticky foods, oral trauma, and even being too rough during brushing or flossing can damage your braces. A broken bracket is a common complication and it’s important to act accordingly to avoid injury or further damage. Below are the best steps to take to ensure a positive outcome.

How to Handle a Broken Bracket

1. Contact Your Orthodontist

While a broken bracket isn’t an orthodontic emergency, you’ll still need to see your orthodontist sooner than later. Brackets hold the archwires and rubber bands that gradually guide your teeth in place. When they come loose, the treatment will be ineffective and some of your progress may be undone.

2. Move, Clip, or Remove Hardware

Next, assess the damage. If the bracket is slightly attached, press it back onto the tooth. You should press the archwires back into position as well. If the bracket has come completely loose, remove it and place it in a safe area until you see an orthodontist. Always wash your hands before putting them in your mouth so you don’t introduce bacteria. You can also use a cotton swab instead of your finger.

Protruding wires can stab into your lips or cheek. Use a pair of nail clippers to trim them and then apply dental wax to prevent discomfort or injury. If you’ve suffered a laceration from the broken bracket, seek emergency dental care.

3. Prevent Further Damage

While you wait to see your orthodontist, make sure to rinse your mouth with salt water to resolve any sores. Stick to soft foods and chew and bite away from the broken bracket whenever possible. Continue brushing and flossing, being extra careful around the broken bracket.

Prevent future breaks by being mindful of what you eat and how aggressive you are when brushing and flossing.

If you’re considering orthodontic care, turn to Delgado Orthodontics. Residents of North Richmond Hills and Tarrant County, TX, turn to this orthodontist for all their cosmetic dentistry needs. They provide a variety of solutions, including adult braces, retainers, and Invisalign®—all of which you can explore on their website. Call (817) 282-1821 to schedule a consultation and connect on Facebook for more oral health tips.