What To Do If Your Braces Bracket Comes Loose

What To Do If Your Braces Bracket Comes Loose

If you have a loose bracket on your braces, you may be wondering what to do? As your San Anselmo and San Rafael CA orthodontist, we here at Haney Orthodontics know this happens and are here to help. Loose brackets on your braces can have several causes from eating the wrong foods and engaging in habits like fingernail biting to loose bonding on the brackets or injury/trauma. We understand it may be a little nerve wracking when your braces come loose, but fixing the issue is very easy. Below we’ll go over next steps on what to do if your braces brackets come loose.

Repairing a Loose Braces Bracket: Call Your San Anselmo & San Rafael Orthodontist

It is important that your orthodontist or dentist know the situation. If you have a scheduled appointment near the date of your bracket coming loose, your orthodontist may have you come in then to repair the loose bracket. If your appointment is scheduled a few weeks out, your orthodontist may schedule you for an earlier appointment to repair the bracket. We highly recommend that you let your orthodontist or dentist know of the situation as soon as possible, as a loose bracket can change the positioning of your teeth and may set treatment back if not taken care of.

Caring for a Loose Braces Bracket Before Your Appointment

If you are experiencing discomfort or chaffing from the loose bracket or appliance, place some wax on the outside of the bracket where it meets the affected area to prevent further discomfort while waiting for your appointment. If the bracket is completely loose with the elastic no longer keeping it in place, carefully remove the bracket with tweezers to keep the bracket from falling into the mouth. You can also try to attach the bracket onto your wire by applying orthodontic wax to the bracket and lightly pressing it onto the wire to keep it in place. If excess wire is causing irritation or poking you after the bracket becomes loose, you can bend the wire at the end of your last bracket (bracket furthest back in your mouth) with the end of a pencil or tweezers to alleviate irritation before your next appointment. You can also apply orthodontics wax to the end of the wire that is causing irritation. If you are not comfortable using these methods, your orthodontist can provide these services to you.

Loose Bracket? Contact your San Anselmo & San Rafael CA Orthodontist!

Here at Haney Orthodontics, we know that sometimes accidents happen and braces come loose. With our office in San Anselmo, CA, we are here to help. If your braces bracket has come loose, or if you’re looking to establish a trusted orthodontist contact us and we will be sure to assist you with any of your orthodontic needs!

Back