Opening a braces bracket is typically reserved for non-routine circumstances, such as temporarily releasing a broken or irritating archwire, often under the direction of an orthodontic professional. The bracket is the small fixture bonded to the tooth, anchoring the archwire that applies pressure for tooth movement. Disconnecting the archwire from the bracket slot can provide immediate relief from discomfort or allow for targeted cleaning. This intervention focuses solely on releasing the wire, not on removing the bracket from the tooth.
Identifying Your Braces Bracket Type
Determining the bracket type is necessary, as the opening method differs significantly between systems. The two main categories are traditional brackets and self-ligating brackets. Traditional brackets rely on external components to secure the archwire within the bracket slot. They feature small tie-wings on the corners, where the archwire is held in place by small elastic ties (ligatures) or thin metal wires.
Self-ligating brackets utilize a modern design that eliminates the need for separate elastic ties. These brackets feature a small, built-in mechanism, such as a clip, door, or slide, that moves to enclose the archwire. This mechanism is an integral part of the bracket’s structure, allowing the archwire to be secured or released mechanically. The clearest way to distinguish between the two systems is by identifying the presence or absence of the colored or clear elastic band.
Procedure for Traditional Brackets
Opening a traditional bracket involves the careful removal of the elastic or wire ligature holding the archwire in place. Sterile tools are required, such as a new dental pick, fine tweezers, and a small mirror for visibility. The goal is to gently unhook the ligature from the four tie-wings of the bracket, freeing the archwire from the slot.
To remove an elastic ligature, place the tip of the dental pick or probe under the edge of the elastic where it loops around a tie-wing. Carefully stretch the elastic tie away from the bracket and slide it over the tie-wing post. Repeat this action for the remaining tie-wings until the elastic is completely disengaged and can be removed from the archwire. This action should be performed with minimal force to avoid bending the archwire or damaging the bracket.
If the archwire is secured by a thin wire ligature, extreme caution must be exercised, as these can be sharp and easily cause soft tissue injury. The wire ligature typically needs to be untwisted at the back of the bracket and then carefully unwrapped from the tie-wings. Due to the inherent difficulty and risk of injury, manipulating a wire ligature is strongly recommended to be left to a professional. Once the ligature is removed, the archwire is free to be lifted slightly out of the bracket slot to address the source of irritation.
Procedure for Self-Ligating Brackets
The self-ligating mechanism is a fragile, integrated component of the bracket structure. The procedure involves locating the small opening or dimple on the face of the bracket that serves as the entry point for an opening tool. A sterile, fine probe, or sometimes a new toothpick, can be used to engage this opening.
The door or clip mechanism requires a specific directional movement, such as a gentle slide or rotation, to disengage from the archwire. For many designs, slight upward or downward pressure on the clip’s engagement point will cause it to slide open along the same plane as the bracket. The movement required is small, often only a millimeter or two, and should not require heavy force or rotational twisting, which can permanently distort the clip.
Some self-ligating systems, such as the Damon system, use a proprietary opener tool, but the principle involves engaging a slot to twist the mechanism open. If the mechanism is not immediately obvious, or if the bracket does not open with minimal pressure, stop the attempt. Applying excessive force risks snapping the delicate clip, which requires the entire bracket to be replaced by the orthodontist.
Safety Precautions and When to Contact a Professional
Work in a well-lit area using sterilized tools and never apply excessive force during these procedures. The archwire is a precisely engineered component; bending or cutting it at home can severely compromise the treatment plan and potentially damage the teeth. Any loose components, such as elastic ties or pieces of a broken bracket, must be carefully retrieved and not swallowed.
Contact an orthodontist immediately if the bracket detaches from the tooth, or if a wire is completely loose and causing trauma to the cheek or gums. Severe or persistent pain following an attempt to open a bracket also warrants professional attention. Furthermore, if a self-ligating door cannot be re-closed easily after being opened, the orthodontist must be contacted to prevent the archwire from moving freely and shifting the tooth into an unintended position. Opening a bracket should always be considered a temporary measure to alleviate discomfort until a professional adjustment can be made.