Find an Orthodontist for Loose or Broken Appliances

No matter how flawlessly an orthodontist procedure goes, there is always a chance of damage to the orthodontic device and teeth in the weeks following the procedure. Whether from a physical accident or eating something someone with braces should avoid, damaged brackets or wires need immediate orthodontic treatment. From broken brackets and loose aligners to lost retainers and more, an orthodontist is here to help.

Loose or broken brackets

While traditional braces are durable, the individual metal brackets can break. Mouth injuries, eating hard or sticky foods, or forceful brushing or flossing can loosen or break brackets. The severity of the damage will determine whether the patient should visit an orthodontist between appointments.

If the bracket is loose, use some orthodontic wax to secure it until the next appointment. Some patients may want to repair their bracket sooner than the next appointment, especially if it loosens soon after their previous appointment or if the loose bracket is on a front tooth. In these cases, schedule an earlier appointment or find an orthodontist to repair it. However, this is more of a cosmetic issue than anything.

Call the orthodontist if the bracket has broken off completely, especially if the wires are now poking into the mouth. Again, waiting until the next appointment may be fine, but doing so could slow down treatment, depending on when the bracket broke. Further, broken brackets with exposed wires can create discomfort as they cut the inner mouth.

Other issues with braces

Other issues may arise besides loose or broken brackets. Wires poking out are the most common. The patient may be able to remedy this issue with a ball of orthodontic wax. However, sometimes the wire protrudes too far into the inner lip, leaving it sore or with cuts. This can also be dangerous if the patient plays sports, as they will be more prone to injuring their mouth. To be safe, schedule a visit with an orthodontist to prevent further injury.

Loose, broken, or lost appliances

For loose appliances, it may be best to wait until the next checkup to refit the appliance. However, these checkups may be spaced out over months, such as if the appliance is a clear aligner or retainer. If this is the case, call the orthodontist for advice on whether an immediate repair is needed.

Do not wait to consult an orthodontist if the appliance has been broken or lost. Not wearing clear aligners as recommended (usually every day or night while sleeping) can set one’s treatment plan back. In the case of aligners, they may even need to go back a tray. Not wearing retainers could cause the teeth to move out of proper alignment, making the patient need orthodontic treatment again.

To avoid delays in treatment or maintain one’s treatment results, call an orthodontist. If the issue is a broken or lost retainer and the patient no longer needs checkups, a new orthodontist should be able to help if they cannot visit their previous one.