What to do if a bracket or wire breaks

severe mouth or facial injury, seek immediate help. Here are some tips to get you through some of the more common problems until you are able to see us:

Loose brackets. Apply a small piece of orthodontic wax to temporarily reattach loose brackets or place wax over the bracket to provide a cushion between the bracket and your gums and other soft tissues of your mouth.

Loose bands. These will need to be replaced or re-cemented into place. Save the band and schedule an appointment for the repair.

Protruding or broken wire. Use an eraser end of a pencil to move the wire to a less bothersome position. If you can’t move it out of the way, apply a small amount of orthodontic wax over the protruding end. Do not attempt to cut the wire because you might accidentally swallow it or inhale it into your lungs. If a mouth sore develops from the wire poking the inside of your mouth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic rinse. An over-the-counter dental anaesthetic can also be applied to numb the area.

Loose spacers. These will need to be repositioned or replaced if they slip or fall out completely