What happens if your braces wire breaks?

If you are straightening your teeth with braces, you may one day feel the undeniable poke of the wire (or even a lost bracket). Don't fret! Here, our Langley orthodontists discuss what happens if your braces wire breaks and what you should do if it does.

What to Do If Your Braces Bracket or Wire Breaks

Braces are reliable tools that help us achieve a straighter, healthier-looking smile. However, sometimes things can go wrong, such as a broken bracket or a wire poking at your cheek. Don't worry. This is a fairly common occurrence. Here, we will share some advice on what to do if this happens to you.

Assess the Situation

You may wonder what happens when your braces wire or bracket breaks and how you will know. Here are the signs that you may be experiencing a braces mishap:

Signs of a Broken Bracket

You may feel a small bump on your tooth (often found while eating), along with some mild discomfort in some cases. This could indicate a detached bracket, where the adhesive responsible for affixing the bracket to your tooth becomes loose, leading to the bracket's detachment.

Signs of a Broken or Detached Braces Wire

The feeling of a wire sticking out is likely to be quite undeniable. This scenario happens when the archwire, the metal wire that connects all your brackets, snaps or bends out of its intended position. This can be irritating, rubbing against your cheeks, gums, or tongue, and potentially causing unwanted sores.

What Not to Do

Getting braces is a journey towards a straight and aesthetically pleasing smile, but it comes with a few specific things you shouldn't do to avoid any potential mishaps.

Don’t Try to Fix it Yourself

It may be tempting to try fixing things yourself, but it's vital that you leave the repair of your braces up to your orthodontist.

Orthodontic adhesives are specially designed to safely and effectively bond the brackets to your teeth without causing harm. Using household glue or other adhesives can make the situation worse and potentially damage your teeth or surrounding tissues. Remember, your smile is an investment, so it's best to trust your orthodontist to handle any repairs.

Don't Touch the Loose Wire

If you have a loose wire in your mouth, it may be tempting to yank it out, but this can cause problems. The wires in your mouth are carefully adjusted to apply the right amount of pressure on your teeth. Removing a wire can disrupt this balance and may lead to delays in your dental treatment. It can also cause the wire to snap, creating sharp edges that could scratch your cheeks or gums.

If you experience a loose wire, it's important to stay calm and contact your orthodontist right away. They will evaluate the issue and repair your braces as needed to get you back on track.

Don't Cut the Wire

You should never cut a loose wire from your braces. Doing so can create sharp ends that may cut your mouth and gums, leading to discomfort. Additionally, it can make it harder for your orthodontist to remove the remaining piece of wire properly. Your orthodontist has the right tools to handle wires safely. They can replace the loose wire with a new one, ensuring your treatment progresses smoothly.

What to Do While You Wait to See the Orthodontist

Here are some tips on what to do if your braces wire or bracket breaks and you experience discomfort while waiting to see the orthodontist.

Use Orthodontic Wax

This soft wax is often considered a lifesaver for anyone with braces. It creates a protective barrier, covering the sharp edges of your braces and preventing them from irritating your cheeks, lips, and tongue.

Swish With Saltwater

If your mouth feels sore or irritated, mix a teaspoon of table salt with warm water and swish the solution around your mouth. This rinse reduces inflammation and helps heal minor sores caused by braces. Plus, it's a natural remedy that can be found at your local supermarket.

Apply an Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek, where you’re experiencing discomfort, can also provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. Cool treats such as yogurt or smoothies can also offer a delightful and soothing experience.

Orthodontic Care for a Broken Wire or Bracket

• Reattach Brackets: Your orthodontist will securely reattach the bracket to your tooth using specific tools and materials.
• Replace Broken Wires: They will replace the broken wire with a new one, ensuring proper tension and alignment in your treatment plan.
• Evaluate Damage: They will inspect for any additional issues resulting from the breakage and deal with them as necessary.

Remember, while a broken bracket or loose wire isn't uncommon, they are still considered a type of orthodontic emergency and should be addressed right away.