It's not unusual for a wire or bracket to sometimes break when braces are used. There's nothing to worry about, but it's important to take steps to get your broken orthodontic appliances fixed. Damaged orthodontic appliances can cause discomfort, cuts and abrasions inside the mouth and, if left unaddressed, can make treatment less effective. When cables are bent and protruding, you may feel like your cheeks or gums are being pierced. If left alone, they can cause breaks and cuts in the skin.
This can lead to swelling and an extended period of time wearing braces. If the cable is still connected to the bracket, gently push it back into place and secure it with orthodontic wax. If the broken splint causes you any discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain medications to make you more comfortable. This also prevents teeth from returning to their original position before wearing braces. Broken brackets aren't necessarily emergency situations, but can be easily remedied by the orthodontist.
To prevent brackets from breaking in the first place, it's important to learn how to care for them. So what does a broken bracket look like and what should you do when this happens? When you meet with the trained team at MINT Orthodontics, we can review what to do when a brace is removed. If you need an appointment, the orthodontist will examine your orthodontic appliances and repair or replace broken brackets or wires. The first thing to do when you feel that your corset has broken is to assess the damage it caused to your braces.
