Traditional braces are known for being durable and highly effective at straightening teeth. Because of the dynamic activity inside the mouth, the brackets and wires can sometimes break. If a fall, sports injury or eating hard foods causes broken braces in Parsippany, what should you do? Here are some simple tips to follow.
Don’t Panic
It’s of the utmost importance that you remain calm when you discover that a bracket or wire is broken. Instead of panicking, take a moment to assess the damage. Once you find where the broken area is, don’t touch or test it. Instead, take the necessary steps to prevent further damage or injury.
What Can You Do?
Here are some tips for effectively responding to some of the more common issues with braces:
Loose bracket
Brackets can either be made from metal or ceramic pieces that are affixed to each tooth. They are held in place with a special adhesive, but it can sometimes weaken or break. This can leave the bracket loose. If the wire is still attached to the bracket, you can attempt to apply orthodontic wax to temporarily hold it in place.
Protruding or broken wire
The orthodontic wire connects to the brackets and is used to guide teeth to a straight position. If the wire breaks, it can stick out and hurt or injure your mouth. To prevent a dental emergency, gently move the still-attached wire back into position with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. Another option is to use orthodontic wax to cover the pointed end of the wire until you can visit your orthodontist.
Loose spacer
The spacers are small rubber rings between your teeth. Their job is to make space for bands to fit around your teeth comfortably. Typically, the orthodontist will leave them in position for a few days before placing the braces. If the spacers shift or dislodge completely, it’s nothing to be worried about.
Loose band
Bands are the metal rings that completely surround the back teeth (and sometimes the front). If you notice that a band is loose, reach out to your orthodontist to have it replaced or re-cemented. If this happens, don’t try to reinsert the band yourself. Instead, bring the dislodged component with you when you visit your orthodontist.
Schedule a Visit as Soon as Possible
While you shouldn’t panic if you have a broken bracket or wire in Parsippany, it’s still important to take effective action. In some cases, having a failing component can present a choking hazard. To be on the safe side, reach out to your orthodontist as soon as possible so you can schedule a visit and get back on the road to fixing your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Allie Degeorge completed both her dental doctorate and orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her career, she has managed to stay at the forefront of the many changes in orthodontics by completing several hours of continuing education. Dr. Degeorge places and repairs braces to ensure healthy and functional smiles at Rauchberg Dental Group, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through the practice’s website.