First Aid for broken braces wire
If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If you can't reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze until you can get to our office. Never cut the wire, as you could end up swallowing it or breathing it into your lungs.
First Aid for Loose brackets and bands
Temporarily reattach loose braces with a small piece of orthodontic wax. Alternatively, place the wax over the braces to provide a cushion. See your orthodontist as soon as possible. If the problem is a loose band, save it and call your orthodontist for an appointment to have it recemented or replaced (and to have missing spacers replaced).
Either problem means you should call our office as soon as possible at
1-800-864-8441 so that we can get your long term treatment underway quickly.
Long Term care for problems with braces
Broken wires, or loose brackets and bands are usually easy to repair. In some cases,
we may be able to adjust, reposition or reattach the existing
wires or brackets. Sometimes, we will need to replace the brackets or
wires with new ones. Follow up with your regular orthodontist as soon as possible to make sure the repairs fit into their long term treatment plan
