Did you accidentally break your braces? Whether a bracket became loose while playing sports, a wire was moved out of place while eating something crunchy, or something in between, it’s important to act quickly. So, keep reading for a quick guide on what to do if you break your braces.
Step #1: Inspect the Damage
The first step in getting the care you need as quickly as possible is inspecting the damage. Use a mirror to carefully examine your teeth, braces, tongue, gums, and the soft tissue in your mouth. This will ensure you can clearly communicate with your orthodontist what happened and the severity of your situation. While some orthodontic emergencies can wait a day or two for an appointment, others need to be addressed immediately. Note: if you’re struggling with potentially life-threatening symptoms alongside your broken braces, like a fractured jaw or difficulty breathing, then call 911 or head to your nearest ER.
Step #2: Schedule an Appointment with Your Orthodontist
Naturally, the next step is to call your orthodontist. Over the phone, you can explain your situation so they can get a better understanding of the next best steps. As mentioned previously, some orthodontic emergencies are more urgent than others, so this step is crucial. Once they have an idea of what happened and what needs to be done, they’ll schedule a time for you to come in so they can prevent further damage and get you back on-track with your treatment plan.
Step #3: Take Care of Your Mouth
Whether your appointment is in 30 minutes or a few days, it’s important to take care of your mouth. Here’s how:
If you have a loose bracket
Although the adhesive that holds your brackets to your teeth is strong, it can become loose with enough force. That’s why it’s crucial that you wear a mouthguard when you play sports and avoid eating crunchy, hard, and sticky foods! In this case, use orthodontic wax to cover the bracket. This will prevent it from irritating your lips, gums, and tongue until your appointment.
If you have a broken wire
If a wire is out of place, try using a cotton swab or clean pencil eraser to gently move it back into position. Not working? Then cover the pointed end with orthodontic wax to prevent further damage. If you’re struggling with any soreness, then you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort until your appointment.
Your first reaction to breaking your braces may be to panic. Instead, take a deep breath and follow the above steps. You’ll be back on-track with your treatment plan in no time!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we provide each patient with detailed instructions on how to avoid broken braces. Of course, accidents can happen. In those cases, we’re here to treat orthodontic emergencies – we’ll even do our best to see you the very same day! If you have a question about how to prevent broken braces or you need to schedule an urgent appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 281-5188.