Traditional metal dental braces are quite durable. Unfortunately, though, they aren’t invincible. Once in a while, things happen that can damage them. For example, you might have an accident while playing sports or eat the wrong type of food. How should you handle broken braces? Let’s discuss some steps you can take to deal with the situation and minimize the damage to both your orthodontic treatment and your mouth.
Call Your Orthodontist
Your orthodontist and their team want you to enjoy a comfortable and successful treatment, so you shouldn’t hesitate to call them if something goes wrong with your braces. Tell them what happened, and they will give you advice on your next steps. They may even schedule an emergency appointment for you within a day or two. When you visit them, they will inspect your braces, perform any necessary repairs, and help you get your treatment back on track.
They might also give you some tips on how to avoid future problems with your braces. For example, they might encourage you to invest in a sports mouthguard that is designed specifically for use with braces. Or they might give you some friendly reminders on which foods and habits have the potential to lead to a broken bracket or wire.
Care for Your Mouth
The following tips may help you to stay comfortable and avoid further damaging your braces while you are waiting for your emergency orthodontic appointment.
- Don’t try to perform DIY braces repair. You might end up making the damage worse! You could even accidentally injure your teeth, gums, or cheek.
- Bend protruding wires so they are as flat as possible. You can use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to move them against your teeth.
- Use orthodontic wax. Roll the wax into a small ball, then press it against any portion of your braces that is irritating your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth. Warm saltwater can help to fight bacteria and minimize any uncomfortable swelling.
- Be careful about what you eat. Crunchy, chewy, and hard foods could worsen damage to your braces and lead to further oral irritation. Try to eat mostly soft foods, such as non-crusty breads, eggs, pasta, and meatloaf. (This is a good guideline for braces in general, but it is especially important when dealing with broken braces.)
- Use painkillers if necessary. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may work to take the edge off of any pain that is related to your broken braces.
- Continue brushing and flossing according to your routine. Be extra gentle around the broken part of your braces.
Broken braces happen from time to time — but there is no need to panic. Your orthodontist is ready to help you get your treatment back on track!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and our team at Polaris Orthodontic Center specialize in providing top-quality orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces. We are always ready to address our patients’ questions and concerns, and we schedule emergency cases as soon as possible. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 614-781-6990.
