In most cases, you can safely postpone having it repaired for several days or weeks without experiencing any adverse effects.
How long can you go with a broken bracket? If you have a broken bracket and it's not causing any discomfort, there's not an urgent need to get it fixed. You can usually wait several days or even weeks to have it repaired without any negative effects on your treatment.
Do my braces still work? The short answer: Yes. One missing bracket doesn't mean your treatment isn't working any more! The long answer: When a bracket is broken, that means an individual tooth is no longer attached to the active wire.
It's not unusual to sometimes break a wire or bracket when you have braces. There's nothing to panic about, but you should take action to get your broken braces fixed. Damaged braces can cause discomfort, cuts and abrasions inside the mouth and, if left unfixed, make your treatment less effective.
Try to eat softer foods that will not cause any additional discomfort. All hard foods should be avoided until your braces have been fixed. If the broken brace causes any discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to make you feel more comfortable.
When a braces bracket has fallen off, do not panic! If it is only loose, call your dentist and have them re-adhere it. If it has fallen off the tooth, then you will have to go straight away to get it removed, otherwise it can damage your soft tissues.
If you have a problem with a loose or broken bracket, be sure to contact an orthodontic professional as soon as possible. Once a doctor has reviewed the issue, they can determine whether you would need to come in for a comfort visit or if it can be fixed at your next scheduled orthodontic appointment.
If the broken bracelet is still attached to the wire, don't try to remove it. Instead, use a cotton swab to reposition the bracket on your tooth surface. Apply a bit of dental wax to the bracket to help hold it in place.
So a lot of times if your bracket falls off near back and the back of your mouth, that could lead to a pokey wire. And if you have a pokey wire, then that can actually cause some pain.
As for the fees for broken brackets, wires, plates or lost aligners, most orthodontic practices won't charge you a fee for the first few broken brackets. However, some may start to charge after several breakages. It is important that you check with your orthodontist as to what is included in your treatment fees.
If your bracket becomes loose within 1-2 days of it being placed, then it is likely due to bond failure or an interference with the bite. If it has been more than 2 days since it was place, the cause is usually excessive force on the bracket from eating, bad habits, or the bite.
While dentists do not have the same training in orthodontia that orthodontists do, they can usually repair an orthodontic bracket or make a quick fix to help you get through to your appointment with your orthodontist.
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 have a loose bracket: Brackets are metal or ceramic pieces that are attached to each tooth.
How Long Can You Go with a Broken Bracket? If you have a broken bracket and it does not make you feel uncomfortable, there is no pressing need to get it mended immediately. In most cases, you can safely postpone having it repaired for several days or weeks without experiencing any adverse effects.
A missing wire, rubber band, or broken bracket can delay treatment time, so we ask that you please give us a call right away to report any issues rather than waiting until your next visit.
You can tell if a bracket is loose by gently pushing on it with your finger. If you notice that it moves but the tooth does not, it is probably no longer attached. If at any time you suspect a loose bracket, you should call us to schedule an appointment to have it repaired within one or two business days.
Do not use superglue or other adhesives to try and re-bond your broken bracket or wire. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can cause even more damage to your braces.
Some clinics may steam sterilize discarded appliances, but since many dental appliances are not reusable or recyclable anyway, most dentists and orthodontists dispose of them with contaminated medical waste like used gloves and other items that contact body fluids.
True dental emergencies may include:
Major trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth. Infection, swelling and/or bleeding of the gums, mouth, or face. Severe unmanageable pain in the mouth.
A simple loose bracket with minor damage may cost around $50 to repair, while a complex one with severe damage may cost up to a few hundred dollars.
Eating hard, sticky foods that may have the force to pull the bracket off of the tooth. Common examples of foods that cause this include nuts, popcorn kernels, caramel candies, etc. Sustaining a mouth injury. Brushing your teeth using too much force.
The short answer is nearly always “yes.” So long as your gums, teeth and mouth are healthy, your bones are strong and your roots are deep, there should be no problem restoring your proper alignment. Early treatment doesn't in itself preclude later orthodontic work.