{"id":230,"date":"2025-07-14T19:39:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T19:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/?p=230"},"modified":"2025-08-14T19:41:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:41:00","slug":"help-what-should-you-do-if-you-break-your-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2025\/07\/14\/help-what-should-you-do-if-you-break-your-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Help! What Should You Do If You Break Your Braces?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Braces are built to be strong, but accidents can happen. A broken bracket, loose wire, or damaged band can occur due to sports injuries, chewing hard foods, or even just normal wear and tear. While it can be unsettling, knowing how to handle the situation<\/a> will help you stay calm and protect your orthodontic progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1: Assess the Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, take a close look in the mirror to see exactly what\u2019s wrong. Is a bracket loose or detached from the tooth? Has a wire popped out or broken? Is a band around a molar missing or shifted? The type of damage will determine how urgent the situation is and what you should do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Relieve Any Discomfort<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Broken braces can sometimes irritate the inside of your cheeks, lips, or tongue. If a wire is poking you, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end. If wax isn\u2019t available, you can temporarily place a piece of clean cotton or gauze over the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help reduce soreness until you see your orthodontist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Avoid Making the Problem Worse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you notice the break, be extra careful with your braces. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the damage, and skip hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could worsen the issue. If a bracket is loose, leave it in place until your orthodontist can repair it\u2014trying to fix it yourself could damage your braces or teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Contact Your Orthodontist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if the damage seems minor, call your orthodontist as soon as possible. Some issues can wait until your next scheduled appointment, while others require immediate attention to keep your treatment on track. Your orthodontist can guide you over the phone and arrange a time for repairs. If you\u2019re unsure whether it\u2019s an emergency, it\u2019s always best to check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Know When It\u2019s Urgent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not every break requires a same-day appointment, but certain situations should be addressed quickly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n