What to Do if a Braces Bracket Falls Out: Can You Fix It at Home?

Braces are key to achieving that perfect smile, but what happens when a bracket suddenly falls off? Don’t panic! Knowing how to handle it can keep your dental braces treatment on track and prevent unnecessary delays. Let’s explore why brackets fall off, how to manage it at home, and when to call your orthodontist. 

Why Do Braces Brackets Fall Out?

Brace brackets can come loose or fall off for several reasons. The most common cause is eating too stiff or sticky foods, which can stress the bracket. Sometimes, accidents or impacts during sports can knock a bracket loose. Even certain habits, like biting nails or chewing on objects like pens, can weaken the bond between the bracket and the tooth.

• Eating Habits: Hard foods like nuts, candy, or even crusty bread can put extra pressure on your braces. Sticky foods, like caramel or gum, can tug on the brackets and wires, making them come loose.
• Impact Injuries: Accidents, particularly during sports, can cause brackets to dislodge. If you play contact sports, it’s smart to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces.
• Weak Adhesive: Sometimes, the adhesive used to bond the bracket to your tooth weakens over time, causing it to come loose.

You can usually tell if your bracket is loose because it may shift on your tooth, causing discomfort or irritation. Sometimes, the bracket may fully detach and hang from the wire. When this happens, it’s essential to act quickly. 

Can You Fix a Loose Bracket at Home?

Can you fix a loose bracket at home? The short answer is no, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation until you can visit your orthodontist.

While trying to reattach the bracket yourself is tempting, it’s important to avoid using superglue or other adhesives. These can damage your teeth and interfere with your treatment.

Here’s what you can do at home:

• Temporary Fix: If the bracket is still attached to the wire but is moving around, you can use orthodontic wax to hold it in place. Orthodontic wax can be found at most drugstores and can help reduce irritation from the loose bracket rubbing against your gums or cheeks. Shape a small piece of wax into a ball and place it over the bracket to secure it.
• Managing Discomfort: If the loose bracket is causing discomfort or poking your cheek, you can use the wax to cover any sharp edges. This will help prevent sores or irritation until you can see your orthodontist.
• Check the Wire: The bracket may come off entirely, leaving the wire loose. If the wire pokes the inside of your mouth, you can gently use a small pair of clean nail clippers to clip the wire where it is causing discomfort. Be careful not to cut the wire too close to the remaining brackets, as this could affect your treatment. 

What NOT to do:

• Don’t try to glue the bracket back on yourself. This can cause more harm than good, and your orthodontist will need to clean off the adhesive before reattaching the bracket.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that further damage your braces until the bracket is fixed.

Though these home remedies offer temporary relief, they aren’t a lasting solution. It’s important to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. 

When Should You Contact Your Orthodontist?

Even though a loose bracket might not seem like an emergency, it’s still important to fix it promptly. Leaving the bracket loose or broken for too long can slow down your treatment and make your teeth move in the wrong direction.

When to call your orthodontist:

• Immediate Action: If the bracket has wholly fallen off or is causing significant discomfort, contact your orthodontist immediately. It’s better to address the issue sooner rather than later.
• Progress Delays: Leaving a loose bracket unattended can interfere with alignment, leading to longer treatment times. Even if the bracket doesn’t seem like a big issue, it’s best to get it repaired.
• Frequent Breaks: If your brackets come loose often, it might be worth discussing with your orthodontist whether adjustments are needed to prevent further issues.

In some cases, an emergency dentist in Newmarket or your orthodontist might be able to see you quickly to repair the bracket. However, the temporary fixes mentioned earlier can help manage the situation until your appointment if the damage occurs over the weekend or during off-hours. 

How to Prevent Braces Brackets from Falling Off

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are steps you can take to avoid having your braces brackets come loose.

• Watch Your Diet: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces. Stick to softer food items and cut harder items like apples into smaller pieces.
• Protect Your Braces During Sports: If you play sports, especially contact sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your braces from injury.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your braces clean can help prevent the brackets from loosening. Brush around the brackets and wires carefully to avoid any build-up that might weaken the bond.

Following these tips can lessen the chances of a bracket coming loose and keep your treatment on track. 

Conclusion

A loose or fallen bracket isn’t the end of the world, but taking action quickly is essential. While you can manage the discomfort at home with orthodontic wax and careful adjustments, the real fix comes from your orthodontist. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist if a bracket falls off. Delaying the repair can extend your treatment time and cause further issues. 

Need Help with a Loose Bracket?

If you’re dealing with a loose bracket, don’t worry. At Holland River Dental, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with your dentist in Bradford to get your braces back on track and ensure your treatment stays on schedule.