The first step is to assess the area of your mouth with the broken appliance. Once you find the root of the problem, it is tempting to touch and test the device, but it is best to contact your dentist or orthodontist and ask for advice.
Unfortunately, you can't glue a bracket back on yourself. But here are a few things you can do to relieve discomfort and hopefully make it easier for your orthodontist to fix the problem.
If you're not experiencing much discomfort and the break is not interfering with treatment, your orthodontist may wait to repair it until your next regularly scheduled appointment. However, it's always a good idea to call the office as soon as you experience a problem, and they will let you know if you need to come in earlier. If you need an appointment, your orthodontist will examine your braces and either repair or replace broken brackets or wires.
There are a few ways you can protect your mouth from additional trauma and ease any discomfort. Start by avoiding hard, crunchy foods like apples and raw carrots and sticky foods, like taffies and caramels. Instead, stick to eating soft foods like boiled eggs, yogurt, and soft bread to avoid any further damage to the bracket. If a broken wire has caused a sore, rinse your mouth regularly with salt water or use an antiseptic rinse to reduce discomfort or temporarily numb the area. If you are still experiencing discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce your pain.
Broken orthodontic appliances can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it's very rarely a dental emergency. Your orthodontist will know what to do to fix you right up and get you back on the road to your ideal smile! All you need to worry about is staying positive, keeping up with good oral hygiene with twice-daily cleaning around your wires and brackets, and keeping yourself comfortable while you wait.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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