What to Do If Your Braces Break: A Guide to Broken Brackets, Poking Wires & More
Braces are designed to be strong and durable, but brackets, wires, or other orthodontic appliances can occasionally become loose or damaged, particularly after eating certain foods. These issues can include a loose bracket, a poking wire, or a loose or damaged appliance.
If you've experienced a broken bracket, poking wire, or another braces problem, don't panic. Most orthodontic problems can be a little bit uncomfortable rather than dangerous, and many can be managed temporarily until you contact our orthodontic team.
The most important step is to contact our orthodontic office and explain what happened. Our team can let you know whether you need an appointment right away or whether the problem can wait until your next scheduled visit. 😊
At Cyterski Orthodontics, we provide personalized braces treatment for children, teens, and adults throughout Pittsburgh, the North Hills, and the South Hills.
Here's what to know about some of the most common braces problems and what you can do if they happen.
What Should I Do If My Bracket Breaks?
A broken or loose bracket is one of the more common problems that can occur during braces treatment.
You may notice that a bracket is:
Loose on the tooth
Sliding along the orthodontic wire
Completely detached from the tooth but still attached to the wire
Causing irritation to your cheek or lip
If your bracket breaks, contact our orthodontic team and let them know. A loose bracket can interfere with the forces being applied to your teeth and may need to be repaired.
If the bracket is still attached to the wire and is irritating your mouth, orthodontic wax may help make the area more comfortable until you receive instructions from your orthodontic team.
Until the bracket is repaired, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could cause additional damage.
Learn more about braces-friendly foods that can help prevent broken brackets by reading our blog, "Braces-Friendly Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid"
What Should I Do If My Braces Wire Is Poking Me?
A poking or loose wire can be uncomfortable, particularly if it is rubbing against your cheek, lips, or tongue.
If you notice a wire sticking out or irritating your mouth, contact your orthodontist's office for guidance.
Depending on the situation, our orthodontists may recommend gently moving the wire into a more comfortable position or covering the end with orthodontic wax until you can be seen.
Orthodontic wax can create a smooth barrier between the wire and the inside of your mouth, helping reduce irritation.
If you are unable to make the wire comfortable, don't continue trying to adjust it yourself. Contact our office immediately for instructions!
What If My Wire Comes Out of the Bracket?
Sometimes an orthodontic wire can work its way out of a bracket.
If this happens, don't panic. Contact our orthodontic office and explain what happened.
Depending on the location of the wire and your individual treatment, our orthodontists here at Cyterski Orthodontics may recommend a temporary solution or ask you to come into the office for a repair.
Avoid pulling or manipulating the wire unnecessarily, as doing so could make the problem worse.
What If a Bracket Comes Completely Off?
If a bracket completely detaches from your tooth, keep track of the bracket and contact our orthodontic team.
If it remains attached to the orthodontic wire, do not pull it off unless our orthodontists specifically instruct you to do so.
Our orthodontic team can determine whether the bracket needs to be repaired immediately or whether it can be addressed at your next appointment.
In the meantime, avoid foods that could further damage your braces. 😊
What If My Orthodontic Band or Appliance Is Loose?
Some patients may have orthodontic bands, expanders, space maintainers, or other appliances as part of their treatment.
If an appliance feels loose, moves unexpectedly, or becomes detached, contact your orthodontist's office.
Avoid repeatedly pushing, pulling, or wiggling a loose appliance. If an appliance comes completely off, keep it in a safe container and bring it with you if you're asked to come into the office.
What Should I Do If My Braces Are Hurting My Cheeks or Lips?
It's common for your cheeks, lips, and tongue to need some time to adjust to braces, especially when treatment begins or after an adjustment. 😊
Orthodontic wax can help cover brackets or wires that are rubbing against the inside of your mouth.
You may also find softer foods more comfortable while your mouth adjusts.
Mild soreness and irritation are generally temporary.
What If I Lose or Break My Retainer?
Retainers are an important part of maintaining your orthodontic results. 😊
If you lose, crack, break, or damage your retainer, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. Teeth can begin to shift when they aren't being held in their corrected positions.
If your retainer is damaged or no longer fits properly, don't force it into place. Our orthodontists can determine the appropriate next step.
Learn more about the importance of wearing your retainers by reading our blog, "Why Retainers Matter: Preventing Teeth From Moving After Braces"
What If I Lose or Damage My Invisalign Aligners?
Orthodontic problems aren't limited to traditional braces.
If you lose, crack, or damage an Invisalign® aligner, contact your orthodontist for instructions. Aligners are designed to be worn in a specific sequence, so your orthodontist can determine what you should do next.
Depending on your individual treatment plan, our orthodontists may recommend using a previous aligner or taking another step until a replacement can be provided.
Learn more about what to do if you happen to lose your Invisalign aligners by reading our blog, "What to Do If You Lose an Invisalign Tray: A Complete Guide From Cyterski Orthodontics"
What Should I Keep in a Braces Emergency Kit?
Having a few basic supplies available at home can make unexpected orthodontic problems easier to manage while you're waiting for instructions from our orthodontic team.
Many of these essentials are included in the goodie bag we provide when you get your braces, making it easy to have some of the supplies you need on hand from the start! 😊
If you need additional supplies throughout treatment, you can easily find them at most pharmacies and retailers.
Consider keeping:
Orthodontic wax
Dental floss
A small mirror
Clean tweezers
Interproximal brushes
A toothbrush
These items can be helpful for managing minor irritation and maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
How Can I Prevent Broken Brackets and Wires?
While orthodontic problems can't always be prevented, taking care of your braces can reduce the risk of damage.
Follow your orthodontist's instructions and be mindful of foods that can damage brackets and wires.
In general, avoid:
Hard foods
Sticky foods
Chewy foods
Biting directly into hard objects
Using your teeth to open packages
If you play sports, ask our orthodontists about an appropriate mouthguard to help protect your teeth and braces.
Learn more about our office's custom mouthguards by reading our blog, "Protect Your Smile This Spring: Custom Mouthguards in Pittsburgh"
Regular orthodontic appointments are also important. Our orthodontists can monitor your treatment and address problems before they become more significant.
What Should I Do If My Braces Break Between Appointments?
The most important thing is not to panic. 😊
If something breaks, becomes loose, or starts causing unusual discomfort:
Take a look at the area in a well-lit mirror.
Avoid foods that could cause additional damage.
Use orthodontic wax if recommended to protect irritated areas.
Contact your orthodontist's office.
Follow the instructions provided by your orthodontic team.
Even if you don't think the problem is serious, it's a good idea to let our orthodontic team know! Broken or loose orthodontic components can sometimes interfere with treatment if they aren't addressed.
Braces Emergency Care in Pittsburgh's North Hills and South Hills
If you're receiving braces treatment in Pittsburgh, having an orthodontic team you can contact when something unexpected happens can provide peace of mind.
At Cyterski Orthodontics, we provide personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults at our North Hills and South Hills locations.
Our North Hills office in Allison Park serves patients from communities including Hampton, Fox Chapel, McCandless, Wexford, Shaler, Glenshaw, Gibsonia, and surrounding Pittsburgh communities.
Our South Hills office in Pleasant Hills serves patients throughout Bethel Park, Whitehall, Mt. Lebanon, Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, South Park, Castle Shannon, and surrounding communities.
Whether you need traditional braces, Invisalign®, or help with an orthodontic problem during treatment, our team is here to help you understand your options and keep your treatment moving forward.
Why Choose Cyterski Orthodontics for Braces in Pittsburgh?
At Cyterski Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatment involves more than simply straightening teeth.
Our board-certified orthodontist has more than 30 years of experience providing personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults.
We offer:
Traditional braces
Invisalign® treatment
Personalized treatment plans
Orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults
Convenient North Hills and South Hills locations
Free consultations
Free on-site parking
Our goal is to provide expert, personalized orthodontic care while making the treatment experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Read more about the benefits of receiving board-certified orthodontic care by reading our blog, "Why Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist for Braces and Invisalign® Treatment in Pittsburgh?"
Read more about the benefits of receiving personalized care here at Cyterski Orthodontics by reading our blog, "What Makes Personalized Orthodontic Care Different?"
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces Problems
What should I do if my bracket breaks?
Contact our orthodontic office and let us know what happened.
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, orthodontic wax may help reduce irritation until you receive further instructions.
What should I do if my braces wire is poking me?
Contact our orthodontic team.
Depending on the situation, you may be able to gently reposition the wire or cover the irritating end with orthodontic wax until you can be seen.
Is a broken bracket an emergency?
A broken bracket usually isn't a medical emergency, but our orthodontists should be notified because it may interfere with treatment.
Our orthodontic team can determine how quickly it needs to be repaired.
Can I fix a broken bracket myself?
You should not attempt to permanently repair or reattach a bracket yourself.
Contact our orthodontic team for instructions about what to do until it can be repaired.
What should I do if I lose my retainer?
Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Our orthodontists can determine whether you need a replacement and what you should do while waiting for it.
What should I do if my Invisalign aligner breaks?
Contact your orthodontist for instructions.
Because Invisalign aligners are worn in a specific sequence, your orthodontist can tell you what to do next based on your treatment plan.
When should I call my orthodontist about a braces problem?
Contact our orthodontists if you have a loose or broken bracket, poking or loose wire, loose appliance, damaged aligner or retainer, or unusual discomfort.
Need Help With Your Braces?
A broken bracket or poking wire can be frustrating, but most orthodontic problems can be addressed with the help of our orthodontic team!
If you're experiencing a problem with your braces, Invisalign aligners, retainer, or another orthodontic appliance, contact Cyterski Orthodontics for guidance.
With convenient locations serving Pittsburgh's North Hills and South Hills, we're here to provide personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Thinking about starting orthodontic treatment? Book your free consultation on our website today or call either of our office locations!
Our Locations
📍 Allison Park Office
4485 William Flinn Highway
Allison Park, PA 15101
📞 (412) 492-8700
📍 Pleasant Hills Office
67 Old Clairton Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
📞 (412) 655-8200
Proudly Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area
North Hills: Allison Park, Fox Chapel, Hampton Township, McCandless, Glenshaw, Ross Township, Shaler, Wexford, Gibsonia
South Hills: Pleasant Hills, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Whitehall, Baldwin, Brentwood, South Park, Jefferson Hills, Castle Shannon, Dormont,
Central & Surrounding Areas: Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, East Liberty, Greenfield, Oakland, Regent Square, Penn Hills, Point Breeze, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, and more.
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