Braces are a substantial commitment of time and money. However, braces do require extra attention. Although the appliances are durable and can withstand normal wear and tear, it is possible for a bracket to break or detach.
It would be best if you were on the watch for a brace coming loose or a bracket falling off and possibly falling out of your mouth while you have braces. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Your mouth may be at risk of bleeding if a stray wire scrapes against your gums after the bracket comes off. As a result, you must know exactly what to do if you encounter this orthodontic issue so that you can react appropriately.
What to Do If Your Braces Bracket Came Off
All patients should know what to do if a bracket comes loose. Do not freak out if your braces fall off; this isn’t necessarily a dental emergency. Bring the bracket to your next dentist appointment if it falls off completely.
Sugarless gum can provide temporary protection against a bare wire if necessary. Sterilized nail clippers or cuticle scissors can be used to snip the wire, but this should only be done as a last resort because it could cause more damage to your braces.
If your braces or wires abrase your mouth, orthodontic wax can act as a band-aid to protect the soft tissue and allow it to heal. Make a pea-sized ball of wax by rolling it up and flattening it over a section of the wire or bracket that has to be fixed.
Read More: How Long Can You Go With a Loose Bracket?
Talk to Your Orthodontist
If the broken wire or brace has caused sores to form in your mouth, you can take over-the-counter pain medicines to alleviate the discomfort. Be aware that a broken brace isn’t usually a clue that something is wrong with your teeth. After your first visit, if the brace hasn’t created any more problems, you may be able to put off getting it changed until your next appointment. Before deciding on your next steps, you should always consult with your orthodontist.
Needing an orthodontic appointment?
Visit Kumra Orthodontics Washington, DC or Kumra Orthodontics Stafford, VA, and request an appointment with us!
Reasons Why Braces Brackets Come Off
Orthodontic braces include an archwire with brackets that hold it in place and ligatures that direct force where it’s needed most. Brackets are by far the most susceptible of the three to malfunction. Adhesives used to attach them are prone to failure over time because of the constant pressure they are subjected to. Changes in temperature, pressure, pH and other factors might cause the adhesives to fall off. They can also come off when they become stuck to utensils, food, or other items. They fall off all the time, so it’s not really a big deal.
Brackets should not come off if they are properly installed and handled with care by the wearer. If your orthodontist has restored your teeth correctly, they may still come loose, especially if you’ve developed a taste for hard candy or nuts, which you’ve been instructed to avoid. Here are a few common causes for a bracket to come loose.
Tooth
Certain enamel types may weaken the cement around your teeth. If you have them installed, brackets may come loose from teeth with a white or chalky appearance. It is possible that your braces bracket fell loose because of dental issues.
Patient Care
One of the most common causes of brackets coming loose or falling off is because of the patient. That is not to argue that braces only become damaged due to a patient’s carelessness. If you already have dietary restrictions in place, it can be hard to adjust your eating habits once you get braces. There are foods that are particularly detrimental to your braces and should be avoided at all costs so that your teeth can be properly realigned. To keep braces in good working order, patients should steer clear of foods that are crunchy or adhere to their teeth, and if they have any doubts, they should ask their orthodontist for advice.
Related: Soft Food For Braces: If You’re New to Braces
It’s also possible that bite patterns play a role. Before you acquire braces, your bite will be assessed and accounted for, but patterns can alter over time and put a strain on the braces. Mouthguards should be considered for anyone who grinds their teeth or participates in contact sports.
Application Issues
In order to use modern bonding processes, teeth must be thoroughly cleaned, isolated, and allowed to dry before being sealed with resin. As a result, we use cheek retractors with built-in suction while affixing brackets. Keep your mind that if a bond fails and a bracket comes loose from the tooth, it will do so within minutes or hours. Brackets won’t fall off weeks later because of a bond failure!
Consult Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about what to do if a bracket comes off
If you experience any problem with your braces, please do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance. We want to ensure that you have the best possible experience while wearing braces and are happy to help in any way we can. To learn more about what to do if a bracket comes off or becomes loose, consult Kumra Orthodontics today. With our experienced team, you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands.
