The small, square devices bonded directly to teeth, known as orthodontic brackets, are the anchors of traditional braces. These components work with archwires to apply the gentle, continuous force necessary to guide teeth into new positions. While it is true that brackets can fail, they are engineered to be quite durable and withstand normal forces encountered during chewing. This article will clarify the structural resilience of brackets, detail the primary causes of damage, and provide practical steps for immediate action if a component breaks.
Bracket Materials and Durability
Brackets are manufactured from materials designed for high strength and longevity in the corrosive environment of the mouth. The most common bracket material is high-grade stainless steel, which offers superior mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion. Aesthetic alternatives include ceramic brackets, made from materials like aluminum oxide, which are tooth-colored but slightly more brittle than their metal counterparts.
The process of affixing the bracket to the tooth, known as bonding, is a precise clinical procedure designed for maximum adhesion. The tooth enamel is first cleaned and treated with a mild acid conditioner to create a microscopically rough surface. A composite resin adhesive is then applied to the bracket base and cured with a specialized blue light, creating a strong mechanical lock with the etched enamel.
This sophisticated bonding system is engineered to hold the bracket securely under normal biting forces. When a bracket detaches, it is often not due to the bracket structure itself shattering or bending, but rather a failure of the adhesive bond between the bracket base and the tooth surface. This bond is deliberately designed to be strong enough for treatment but weak enough to allow the orthodontist to safely remove the bracket at the end of treatment without damaging the enamel.
Common Causes of Damage
The majority of bracket failures are caused by external forces that exceed the designed strength of the adhesive bond. The most frequent cause is dietary violations, which involve consuming foods that exert excessive shear or tensile forces on the bracket.
Hard foods like nuts, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and ice can cause an immediate force that fractures the bond. Sticky and chewy foods, such as caramel, taffy, or gum, are equally problematic because they create a strong pull that can peel the bracket away from the tooth surface. Even tough foods, like biting directly into a whole apple or a raw carrot, can shear the bracket off the enamel. These items should always be cut into small, manageable pieces before eating.
Beyond food, poor oral habits introduce repeated, damaging stresses. Patients who habitually chew on foreign objects like pen caps, pencils, or fingernails place unnatural forces on the brackets and wires. Similarly, teeth grinding or clenching, particularly at night, can apply crushing forces that lead to bracket failure over time.
Accidental trauma, such as a blow to the mouth during sports or an unexpected fall, is another significant cause of bracket damage. Furthermore, occlusal interference, where the upper teeth bite directly onto the lower brackets, can cause repeated impacts that weaken the bond until failure. This issue is often addressed by the orthodontist using a bite-correction appliance.
Immediate Action When a Bracket Breaks
If you feel a bracket come loose or notice a detached component, carefully assess the situation. A loose bracket will often slide or rotate on the archwire, but it may not be a true emergency unless it is causing severe pain or irritation. If the bracket is completely detached, save it in a small container to bring to your appointment.
For immediate relief from discomfort, orthodontic wax can be used to cover sharp edges or a bracket that is rubbing against the cheek or gum. If a wire is poking the soft tissues, a cotton swab or pencil eraser can be used to gently push the wire into a less bothersome position. Rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution can also soothe any irritated tissue or minor sores.
It is important to contact your orthodontist’s office immediately, even if the damage seems minor. The office needs to be aware of the problem so they can schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible. A broken bracket is no longer applying its intended force, which means the tooth is not moving correctly, and delaying the repair can prolong your overall treatment time.