A broken bracket is probably the most common reason for an emergency trip to your orthodontist, but why do brackets break and fall off? Here are some common reasons why orthodontic brackets fall off and what you can do if this happens to you.
What Causes an Orthodontic Appliance to Break?
Brackets and other orthodontic appliances can break or fall off for many reasons, including:
Your Teeth
Trauma or injury to the teeth, mouth, or face can cause a bracket to come loose. Issues with a patient’s enamel can inadvertently cause a bracket to come loose as it might not be adhered to the teeth properly.
Your Lifestyle & Habits
Wearing orthodontic appliances requires lifestyle changes, particularly with what you eat and how you brush your teeth. Hard or sticky foods can knock a bracket loose. Improper flossing, using toothpicks, and even brushing your teeth a little too vigorously can cause a bracket to come loose.
What to Do When a Bracket Falls Off
If you lose a bracket, don’t panic. Brackets can fall off for any of the reasons listed above, but they can be easily reattached. Please contact your orthodontist to schedule an appointment.
Can You Eat with a Loose Bracket?
We recommend having a loose or broken bracket fixed as soon as possible. If you have to wait before having your bracket fixed, you can still eat but try to avoid hard or crunchy foods that could make the problem worse. Stick to softer foods such as yogurt, smoothies, or pasta.
Consult Your Orthodontic Team
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. A delay in repairing the bracket could potentially result in further damage to your braces, so it’s best to have it looked at as soon as possible.
For more information about orthodontic appliances and braces, contact your team of Orthodontic professionals in London, Ontario at Wonder West Orthodontics.