Temporary Fixes for Broken Braces or Wires

If you wear braces, a broken wire or loose bracket can be uncomfortable. Even though these are not serious dental problems, they can still cause pain. They can also delay your orthodontic treatment, which may cost more money later. Imagine playing in the park with your kids or going to the office, and suddenly, your wire breaks; this can ruin your whole day. 

There are a few simple tricks you can try to reduce pain and prevent more damage. These fixes are only temporary and are meant to help you feel better for the time being. You could gently push it back into place using a pencil or use orthodontic wax to reduce the irritation. Remember, these are only short-term fixes, and you still need to see your orthodontist for proper care.

 

Luckily, there are various experienced dentists in Gladstone. Visit a Gladstone, MO dentist today.

Types of common breakages

Common breakages in braces may include broken brackets, loose wires, and dislodged elastics. Broken brackets can occur if the braces are hit or if hard food is chewed. These can be uncomfortable and may affect treatment. Loose wires may happen when the wire shifts out of place or becomes too long. 

This may result in irritation to the gums or inside of the mouth. Dislodged elastics or bands can come off due to pressure or if the food gets stuck. These breakages may disrupt the alignment process; therefore, it is important to fix them quickly. You can go for either temporary solutions or visit your orthodontist for proper adjustments.

Temporary fixes for broken braces or wires

If you have broken braces, there are several temporary fixes you can try to make yourself more comfortable until you see your dentist. 

  1. Orthodontic wax.

One of the easiest fixes is to use orthodontic wax. This wax is soft and can be applied to sharp edges or broken brackets to protect your mouth from cuts and irritation. Take a small amount of wax, roll it into a ball, and press it onto the sharp or broken area. This will help cushion the area and prevent it from hurting. 

       2. Use tweezers to put back the wires.

If a wire is poking you, you can use tweezers to carefully put them back into their place. While repositioning the wires, be very gentle to avoid the wire from bending too much. However, if you are facing difficulty, try using clean dental floss or a cotton swab to gently push the wire back inside the bracket away from your gums.

      3. Tape it.

In some cases, you can temporarily tape the loose bracket or wire. You can use medical tape or even a piece of adhesive bandage to hold the wire in place. However, these will only give you temporary relief. Therefore, make sure to book an appointment with an orthodontist as soon as possible.

      4. Nail clippers.

If a wire is long and causing pain, you can carefully trim it using clean nail clippers. Cut the wire as close to the bracket as possible to avoid any injury. However, make sure you do not cut too short, as it can damage the wire.

Other helpful tips

When you have broken braces or wires, it is important to avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods like caramel, gum, ice, etc. Eating these items can further damage your braces and make the situation worse. 

 

It is also helpful to keep spare orthodontic supplies, like wax or rubber bands, for emergencies. However, if you try a temporary fix and still experience pain, it is time to see your orthodontist.

Don’t let broken braces ruin your day!

Temporary fixes like orthodontic wax and tweezers can ease the discomfort. If your braces are causing pain or persistent issues, it is time to visit a trusted orthodontist. Schedule an appointment today!