Broken braces happen to even the most careful patients, and knowing the answer to the question, “What To Do If My Braces Break?” can save you from experiencing a lot of anxiety.
Step 1: Panic.
Just kidding! Though broken braces can be annoying and uncomfortable, there’s no need for panic! Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Davis, and Dr. Seitz can fix all broken braces!
The real first step is to schedule an appointment with Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics in Greensboro or High Point as soon as possible so our team can assess the situation and make repairs immediately!
Sometimes, though, braces break when you cannot come to the office. For example, if you are out of town or it is after hours, you might not be able to get professional help immediately. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer until you can attend an appointment. The following are our top tips for caring for your broken braces at home.
Orthodontic Wax Is a Must!
Besides the disruption to your routine by having to come into an unplanned appointment, one of the most annoying things about broken braces is the discomfort and pain that usually accompanies it. Though pain is not always a bad thing — you might not even notice your braces are broken without it! — it is not something you want your braces to cause you, and broken brackets and wires are notorious for poking and irritating the cheeks and gums. This friction can drive even the most patient people crazy! If your broken braces are bothering you, it’s time to get out the orthodontic wax!
Orthodontic wax is a removable, waxy product you put on your braces in the spots troubling you. Once in place, the wax becomes a barrier between the metal and your skin, reducing the risk of open wounds and preventing uncomfortable poking and rubbing.
If you have clear braces and worry the wax might make your appliance more noticeable, you will be happy to learn that orthodontic wax is transparent and made to blend in as much as possible so that you never have to choose comfort over style.
Most orthodontic wax is unflavored, but you can always purchase fun flavor options, such as bubblegum, if you prefer. If you don’t have any orthodontic wax handy, you can also try a numbing product, such as Oragel. Just ensure the one you pick is safe to use in the mouth!
Salt Water Rinse Provides Relief!
Another way you can relieve pain is by rinsing the mouth with warm salt water. If your broken braces did produce an open wound in the mouth, the saltwater could help prevent infection by keeping the area clean. And because saltwater rinses are all-natural, you can use them as many times a day as you’d like!
If saltwater is not your favorite mouth rinse, you can also try an antiseptic mouthwash to clean the area, though it might not relieve pain.
Cut Or Bend Broken Wires!
Another crucial step to take while you wait for your appointment is to cut down broken wires that are poking you or have the potential to create cuts in the mouth. Small wire cutters and nail clippers are an excellent way to do this. Be careful not to swallow bits of wire, and cut as close to the teeth as possible for maximum comfort. Once done, cover with orthodontic wax.
If you are uncomfortable with cutting protruding wire, it’s okay! Bend the wire until it is bugging you as little as possible. If necessary, cover with orthodontic wax.
Try To Push The Bracket Back Into Place!
Depending on the severity of the damage, you can push your bracket gently back into place and use orthodontic wax to hold it in place and inhibit friction irritation. If your bracket has come all the way off, put it in a safe place until your appointment.
DO NOT try to glue your bracket back on yourself, and DO NOT attempt to remove it if it is still attached to your braces or teeth. Please let Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, or Dr. Seitz perform all repairs.
Eat Soft Foods To Avoid More Damage!
You should eat soft foods like smoothies and soups to prevent further damage until your braces are put back together. Eating too hard food can worsen the issue and produce unnecessary pain. Even if your severed wires or dislocated brackets are not causing you discomfort, you should eat as if they are to prevent their condition from declining.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine!
Whether or not your broken braces cause you any soreness, they can be scary and intimidating. Depending on how bad they look, you might wonder if your oral hygiene routine could worsen them. You should perform your oral hygiene routine twice daily, though you must be gentle while your braces are broken. Keeping the mouth free of bacteria, plaque, and germs is essential to minimizing the risk of infections until your braces are repaired, especially if you have developed an open cut.
Have More Questions? Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics Has The Answers!
Breaking your braces can be a stressful experience, but with Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics, it does not have to be! Our teams in Greensboro and High Point are always happy to help! If you are ready to begin your orthodontic journey, click here to schedule your free consultation! If you have more questions regarding what to do if your braces break, contact us today! We love talking about orthodontics, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. See you soon!