If you’ve recently broken one of your brackets, suffered a snapped wire, or your braces have become compromised in some other way, you might be wondering what you need to do to quickly correct the issue. But before you start to panic, you should know that these things happen and they certainly don’t mean that your treatment is ruined; a little knowledge and quick thinking can ensure that your smile isn’t in any long-term danger! Here are three easy-to-follow steps from your orthodontist.  

Step #1. Assess the Damage

It might not be totally obvious that your braces are broken; it could simply feel as though something’s off, meaning that the first step is to calmly assess the area of your mouth that’s having a problem. It’s possible for the brackets themselves to become damaged, loose or displaced, which can also cause the wiring to come down with it. The wire itself might also break or come loose. Other orthodontic appliances such as palate spreaders and metal bands can also sustain damage.

Once you’ve identified the issue, it might seem tempting to touch it and test the device, but this is a bad idea as it might cause further damage. In any case, it’s also important to remain calm so that you can continue to think clearly while you inspect your mouth.

Step #2. Contact Your Orthodontist

In short, your orthodontist is the only person capable of effectively handling your situation—after all, they’re the one who installed your braces in the first place! When you contact them, you’ll be able to explain what happened and ask them for advice and steps to follow; they’ll also let you know when and if you need to come in for assistance. Not every situation is urgent or causes severe discomfort, and it’s possible that you might not need to come in until your next regularly scheduled checkup.

Step #3. Take Care of Your Mouth

It’s also crucial to protect your mouth from additional trauma and ease any discomfort you might be feeling. You can do this in several ways, but you should start by avoiding hard or crunchy foods that might further agitate your braces. You should also avoid chewing gum.

Unfortunately, a bracket or wire can’t be fixed with household tools, so you shouldn’t try to get creative. Instead, focus on damage control—you can use orthodontic wax to cover up broken brackets or protruding wires and prevent further irritation. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and saltwater rinses as needed.

Broken orthodontic appliances can be quite inconvenient, but they aren’t the end of the world and can often be quickly handled either by yourself or with the help of your orthodontist. That said, having these steps in mind can also make you feel at ease and well-equipped for the situation if it catches you off guard.

About the Practice

Here at Simply Orthodontics Derry & Hudson, we’re thrilled to provide an exceptional level of care for every patient that walks through our doors. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services including traditional braces, Invisalign and various other options. If you have any questions about the article or you or a loved one is suffering from an orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us today for assistance: (603) 889-1100.