What to do if an orthodontic bracket or wire feels loose?
What should I do if an orthodontic bracket comes loose, falls off or a wire is dislodged?
With modern technology, there are very few true orthodontic emergencies. However, things happen sometimes with orthodontic appliances that might need attention.
In good condition, braces and wires should be attached to the tooth and connect to each other.
Advice if an orthodontic bracket or wire comes loose:
Orthodontic brackets are attached to teeth with dental cement. For most patients, once placed, they remain on during the entire length of active treatment until the orthodontist or staff removes them.
However, eating foods that are hard or sticky can cause a bracket to become loose, where it is suspended on the wire but no longer attached to the tooth; or the bracket comes off of the tooth and wire completely.
If the bracket comes off of the tooth but is still attached to the wire, a piece of orthodontic wax (provided by the office or purchased in the oral health aisle of the pharmacy or grocery store) can be placed for immediate comfort to protect the area from irritating the tooth and tongue until it can be repaired.
If the bracket comes completely off of the wire, save it to bring to your orthodontic appointment. If the wire is loose and poking the mouth, you can place a piece of orthodontic wax on the wire to stabilize it or you can use nail clippers to trim the wire or tweezers to remove the wire.