Braces can offer great results for improving your smile, but sometimes things don’t go quite to plan. Whether it’s a loose bracket or a broken wire, broken braces can be uncomfortable and even delay your treatment if the issue is not addressed quickly. Understanding the top signs of broken braces, what to do with broken braces, and how to prevent this issue is essential for keeping your teeth straightening journey on track.
If you do experience a problem with your braces, our team at 207 Dental will be here to support you every step of the way. Keep reading as we discover what to do if a bracket or wire breaks, and don’t hesitate to contact us for support or more information about the services we offer.
Common Causes of Broken Braces
There are several reasons why your braces might break, and being aware of them can help you to avoid issues in the future. Understanding these reasons for broken braces can help you take preventive measures, such as wearing a mouthguard during sports or making smarter food choices. Some of the top causes of broken braces include:
- Bad habits that may damage your teeth and braces: Biting your nails, chewing on pens or ice, or using your teeth to open packaging can put stress on your braces and cause them to break.
- Trauma or injury: Accidents during sport or physical activity can result in damage to brackets and wires.
- Poor brushing or flossing techniques: Using too much force when cleaning your teeth can sometimes loosen components on braces. This is why you must always follow the instructions of your dentist to avoid this issue.
- Eating hard or sticky foods: Crunchy apples, hard sweets, popcorn, or chewing gum can dislodge brackets or bend wires on braces. This is why patients need to be very mindful about what they eat when using traditional braces, and it’s one of the top advantages of opting for Invisalign clear aligners instead.
Signs of Broken Braces
Sometimes it’s not immediately obvious that something is wrong with your braces. By watching out for common signs of broken braces, you can ensure you find out what to do if a bracket breaks or a wire comes out of place in a timely manner to avoid delays to your treatment plan. You may find that a bracket feels loose or has detached from the tooth, or that a wire is poking the inside of your mouth or cheek. If gaps between teeth that were previously closed suddenly appear, this is certainly a cause for concern. Pain or discomfort that feels different from normal adjustment soreness is also something that you should consult your dentist about, as is difficulty speaking or chewing due to displaced wires.
When to Seek Immediate Help
While many broken braces issues can wait a few days or over the weekend to see your dentist, some situations require more urgent attention. Seek help immediately if you are in severe pain or a wire is causing bleeding or damaging the inside of your mouth. Should a piece of the braces come off, it may pose a choking hazard, and this will also need to be resolved immediately. Finally, urgent help should also be sought if you notice sudden tooth movements or shifting. In any of these cases, contact your orthodontist or emergency dental clinic to prevent complications.
Can Clear Aligners Like Invisalign Break?
One of the many benefits of Invisalign braces is their lack of metal components that can break and injure your mouth. If you’re worried about the risks of breakage with metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners may be a more suitable alternative. They are discreet, comfortable, and less prone to damage, making them a popular choice with both teens and adults. However, clear aligners can still crack or warp if they are not handled properly, so always store them in their case when not in use.
Preventing Broken Braces
To reduce the chances of dealing with broken braces and to stop you panicking about what to do if a wire breaks, keep in mind the following tips:
- Stick to a safe diet, avoiding hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and proper flossing technique.
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully throughout your treatment plan and seek assistance straight away if you notice any concerning signs of damage to your braces.
Having broken braces can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but knowing how to handle the situation can make all the difference and support you in staying on track with your treatment plan. If you are experiencing issues with your braces or are interested in learning about switching to Invisalign braces, get in touch with our team today for more information about the services we offer.