Urgent Orthodontic Care for Damaged Braces
It is important to see your orthodontist as soon as possible if you notice any visible damage to the wires, bands, or brackets of your braces. If you are not in pain, you can make an appointment with a dental professional within the next day or two, but it is crucial to seek treatment promptly.
There are several reasons why braces can become damaged, including:
- Eating hard foods
- Facial trauma
- Chewing on non-edible objects
Here are the most common types of orthodontic emergencies:
Loose Brackets
Brackets are small metal or ceramic appliances that are attached to the teeth using dental adhesive (resin). If both the bracket and the archwire are moving, it is likely that the adhesive has not cured correctly. While this is not a true orthodontic emergency, it is important to contact your orthodontist promptly.
If a bracket has fallen off and rotated around the archwire, carefully place it back in its proper position and use orthodontic wax as a temporary adhesive until your orthodontist can reattach the bracket.
Loose Bands
Bands are metal rings that are cemented around teeth. When bands become loose, they can lead to decalcification or tooth decay if left untreated for an extended period of time. The dental bonding agents typically used to seal the inner portion of the band can be compromised if bacteria and saliva enter the crevice, resulting in the production of an acidic byproduct that can erode tooth enamel.
If you have a loose band, it is important to contact your orthodontist right away for guidance. Your orthodontist can reattach the band to the tooth or replace it if necessary. If a band falls out, it is important to save it and not try to reattach it yourself.
Faulty or Annoying Wires
Broken archwires are a common issue in orthodontics and can cause discomfort or irritation to the inner cheek. If the archwire is broken, you can use tweezers or a pencil eraser to adjust it to a less irritating position. If that doesn't work, you can place orthodontic relief wax over the protruding end to protect your soft tissue.
However, these are just temporary fixes. It's important to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to replace the broken wire.
If you accidentally swallow a band, bracket, or piece of wire, contact your orthodontist for guidance. While these items are small enough to pass through the body without harm, it's best to seek advice from a professional.
If you have any concerns or questions about damage to your braces, don't hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for assistance.
