Broken Braces (What to do)

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Introduction

Even though you may do everything to avoid it, it is common for braces to break at one time or another.  Braces, brackets, bands, and wires may become loose or break because of chewing hard or sticky food or for unknown reasons.  You should contact your orthodontist if your braces break or become loose.  Repairs are usually easy.
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Symptoms

The components of your braces may loosen, break, or come off completely.  You should not attempt to fix your braces yourself.  Save any pieces that come off and bring them to your orthodontist appointment.  If a wire or bracket protrudes and causes discomfort, you may cover it with dental wax until your appointment.
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Diagnosis

You should contact your orthodontist if your braces become loose or broken.  Your orthodontist will decide if an urgent repair is necessary or if it may wait until your next scheduled appointment. 
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Treatment

Braces can usually be repaired easily and quickly.  The components of your braces may need to be replaced or adjusted.  It is important to report problems to your orthodontist promptly and comply carefully with your orthodontist’s instructions.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.