If you have braces, then you may be slowly building your routine with them. While you want to do your best to have a smooth treatment, all it takes is one accident to find yourself in an orthodontic emergency! You might’ve had a wire or bracket break, but what should you do in this situation? Here’s a quick guide to help make sure you handle it with confidence and protect your progress.
Step #1: Take a Look at the Damage
When you feel like something is broken, loose, or detached, then you should take a look in the mirror right away. There are many parts in braces, such as the brackets, wires, or bands, so seeing what’s been affected can help you determine the next steps you need to take.
Step #2: Deal with the Situation
Depending on what the problem is, here are a few things you should do until you can visit your orthodontist:
- A loose bracket can’t be glued back down by yourself. Instead, you should bring it to your dentist if it came off completely or use dental wax to hold it in place.
- A broken or protruding wire can poke at your inner cheeks. If you can, gently move it back with a pencil eraser or cotton swab. However, if you have trouble doing so, then using orthodontic wax can cover the end until your appointment.
- A loose spacer might’ve moved out of position or fallen out entirely. Thankfully, this generally isn’t an issue, as it means there’s enough room for what your orthodontist has planned.
- A loose band may have come off your back tooth or front one, but you shouldn’t put it back yourself. Simply save it until your visit.
Step #3: Call Your Orthodontist
Regardless of the issue, you should call your orthodontist right away. Let them know the situation, and they can help guide you through it a bit more. Some problems aren’t serious emergencies, so you may be able to wait until your next scheduled checkup. However, others can be, so your provider will get you in sooner for these. What’s true for you can only be cleared up by giving them a ring!
Step #4: Care for Your Mouth
As you wait for your appointment, you should take steps to ensure you don’t make the break worse. If you need to eat, then avoid hard and crunchy foods as they can cause more harm. A sore can develop because of a protruding wire, so you should rinse with salt water regularly to reduce discomfort and aid with healing. You can also take over-the-counter medication if need be. That way, you can get relief while you wait for your orthodontist to get you back on track.
About the Practice
At Wigal Orthodontics of Columbus, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Timothy Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper. We are dedicated to helping the local community get the straighter smiles they love with reliable treatment options like braces. Our team is here to help you through your orthodontic emergencies, seeing you as soon as possible to give you the care you need. If you had broken a bracket, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (614) 495-9002.
