Ortho Emergency: 3 Steps to Take if Your Braces Break

Even if you take special precautions to avoid them, it’s possible to have an orthodontic emergency unexpectedly. For example, if you bite into something overly hard or sticky, trip and fall, or are hit in the face, the brittle metal wires and brackets could snap.

It’s natural to feel anxious if you’ve just realized you’ve broken your braces, especially if you’re in pain. However, panicking won’t do you any good. Breathe deeply to calm your heart rate, then continue reading to learn about three actions you can take to address your urgent issue!

Step #1: Assess the Damage

Before you call your orthodontist, do your best to examine your mouth to determine the source of the problem. You may feel tempted to touch or repair the damage once you see what has broken, but doing so could damage your remaining braces or injure your teeth or gums. For example, don’t try to reattach it with super glue because this material is toxic and not intended for oral use.

Instead, call your provider to let them know what has happened and ask for help. They’ll walk you through any necessary care instructions over the phone and schedule an appropriate appointment time for you to come in.

Step #2: Address Discomfort

Your braces rely on tight tension applied by your wires and brackets to reposition your teeth, so when something breaks or falls off, the sudden change in pressure can cause mild to moderate aches. Not only that, but if your brackets broke because of an injury, you might also be bleeding or in pain.

If your braces have cut the soft tissues inside your mouth, apply a clean cloth or gauze to the wound, and then bite or press down firmly to slow the flow. It’s also a good idea to place a small amount of orthodontic wax over any sharp corners or ends of wires to avoid a repeat occurrence.

Then, it’s usually safe to take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen to reduce throbbing and inflammation until you arrive at your orthodontist’s office.

Step #3: Rinse with Warm Salt Water

Did you know that salt is a natural disinfectant? Mixing ½ teaspoon into a cup of warm water makes a mouthwash that gently rinses away dirt, debris, leftover food, and germs to keep your mouth (and any lacerations) clean. This can reduce swelling and discomfort and the likelihood of developing an infection.

When it’s time to leave home for your appointment, remember to take any broken orthodontic materials with you. Once you arrive, they’ll get to work fixing the issue then help you get back on track with your treatment timeline!

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, you and the entire family benefit from three experts who can improve your oral health by straightening your smile. They have 10+ years of combined experience providing a wide range of orthodontic services to people of all ages. Plus, they’re affiliated with the American Board of Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists, among other prestigious organizations. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment and have an all-digital approach to ensure treatment accuracy while enhancing patient comfort. If your braces are broken and you need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (678) 879-3006.