A bracket is a small attachment bonded directly to the tooth, serving as the anchor point for the archwire that runs through braces. This system of brackets and wires works together to exert gentle, continuous pressure, gradually moving teeth into their desired positions. While orthodontic appliances are durable, it is common for a bracket to become loose or for a wire to poke out. Broken hardware is not usually a medical emergency, but it requires prompt action to maintain comfort and keep the treatment plan on schedule.
Immediate Temporary Solutions
If a bracket breaks or becomes loose, assess the situation calmly and address any immediate discomfort. If the loose bracket is still attached to the archwire, gently reposition it back onto the center of the tooth using a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil. Avoid attempting to remove the bracket entirely, even if it is spinning freely on the wire.
To prevent the loose hardware or sharp edges from irritating the tissues of your cheeks and gums, apply a small amount of orthodontic wax. First, dry the area completely with a tissue, roll the wax into a ball, and then press it firmly over the problematic bracket or wire end. This provides a smooth, protective barrier that reduces friction and prevents painful cuts.
A wire that has shifted and is poking the inside of your mouth can often be carefully pushed back toward the teeth using a clean pencil eraser or tweezers. If you cannot reposition the wire and it is causing significant pain, you may cautiously clip the protruding end. This must be done using a sterilized nail clipper and only as a last resort, ensuring you prevent the small piece of clipped wire from being inhaled or swallowed.
Assessing Severity and Scheduling Repair
After applying a temporary fix, determine the urgency of professional intervention to protect your treatment plan. A loose bracket on a molar at the back of the mouth causing no pain is less urgent than a broken bracket on a front tooth causing a laceration. Severe pain, swelling, or a wire deeply embedded in the cheek or gum tissue requires immediate contact with your orthodontist.
When calling the office, clearly describe the damage, including which specific tooth the bracket is on and whether the wire is involved. This information allows the orthodontic team to schedule the appropriate time for the repair, which typically involves removing the damaged component and re-bonding a new bracket. Even if the temporary wax fix has eliminated discomfort, schedule a repair promptly. A loose bracket stops applying the necessary force to the tooth, and failure to repair it interrupts the continuous pressure required for tooth movement, potentially delaying your overall treatment timeline.
Preventing Future Orthodontic Damage
Preventing damage to your braces keeps your treatment on track and reduces the need for emergency appointments. A primary cause of broken brackets and bent wires is the consumption of hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Strictly avoid items like taffy, caramels, chewing gum, popcorn kernels, nuts, and chewing on ice.
Instead of biting directly into firm foods like whole apples or carrots, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. This reduces the shearing force applied to the front brackets, which are susceptible to breakage. Additionally, refrain from habits such as chewing on pen caps, pencils, or biting your fingernails, as these behaviors introduce excessive loads onto the appliances.
If you participate in contact sports or any activity where a strike to the mouth is possible, consistently wearing a protective mouthguard shields your brackets and wires from impact damage.