Fix Your Broken Bracket with Your Orthodontist in South Hills of Pittsburgh

While on your journey to a straight smile, you expect it to be smooth and simple. However, there may come a time when you think that a bracket or wire may have broken or come loose. In some cases, the issue can be noticeable while other times you might feel as though something just is not right. When this occurs, your first instinct may be to panic because you do not want anything to interrupt the progress of your treatment. When the unexpected happens, the first thing you need to do is calm down and assess the situation. Then, contact your orthodontist in South Hills of Pittsburgh for an appointment.

Help! I Have a Broken Bracket

Your braces can break for several reasons, such as due to trauma to the mouth or just from wear and tear. No matter the cause, the issue can take many forms, such as:

• Broken brackets
• Broken wires
• Loose bands
• Loose braces
• Protruding wires

After evaluating the severity of the problem, it is best to contact your orthodontist, who will instruct you as to whether you need a same-day appointment or if the repair can be made another day. While you wait, there are several things you can do at home to make the situation a bit easier.

What Can I Do at Home?

In addition to trauma or injury to the mouth, your braces can break from chewing hard or sticky foods. When this occurs, usually only one part will come loose, like a band or bracket. To ease the discomfort, there are several things you can do at home.

• Loose Bracket: Chewing hard or sticky foods can cause the resin that bonds the bracket to the tooth to weaken. This can make it stick out, poking you in the tongue, gums, or cheeks. Until it is repaired, apply the special wax that the orthodontist provided you with to reduce irritation.
• Loose Bands: The metal rings that are cemented around the teeth are known as the bands. If one comes loose, it will need to be re-cemented or replaced. It is best not to try to fix it on your own.
• Broken Wire: When a wire breaks or sticks out, it can lead to an oral injury if it is not repaired. To protect your cheeks, gums, and tongue, you can try to use the end of a pencil eraser on it to push it into a safer position or use a bit of wax to cover the tip. This issue will need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent irritation or injury, which can lead to an infection.
• Loose Spacer: The rubber rings that are placed between the teeth are known as spacers. If one falls out, your orthodontist will need to replace it.

Don’t Panic! Call Your Orthodontist

If you have had a bracket or wire come loose, contact your orthodontics office in South Hills of Pittsburgh right away for an appointment.

About Dr. Gary Cartwright

For more than 20 years, Dr. Gary Cartwright has provided orthodontic services to achieve healthy, straight smiles. If you are ready to straighten your teeth, contact Cartwright Orthodontics today for a consultation.