Orthodontic treatment is a journey that requires patience and care, but sometimes life happens. Whether it’s from an unexpected accident or from eating something too hard, breaking your braces or clear aligners can be frustrating. However, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to minimize any potential setbacks in your treatment. Here’s what you should do if you break your braces or clear aligners.
What to Do If You Break Your Braces
Braces consist of various parts, such as brackets, wires, and bands. If any of these pieces break, it can disrupt your treatment plan, leading to delays in your progress. If you break your braces, follow these steps:
- Assess the Damage
Carefully inspect your braces to determine what has broken. If it’s a loose or broken bracket, you might be able to temporarily secure it using orthodontic wax to prevent it from causing irritation to your mouth. If a wire has snapped, it could poke the inside of your cheeks or gums, so use a pencil eraser or a cotton swab to gently push the wire back into place. If this is not possible, you may need to cover the end with orthodontic wax to avoid injury. - Contact Your Orthodontist Immediately
It’s important to reach out to your orthodontist as soon as possible. While minor issues may not require an immediate visit, broken brackets or wires should be addressed promptly to avoid disrupting your treatment. Your orthodontist will guide you on how to manage the issue until you can schedule a visit. - Avoid Certain Foods
To prevent further damage to your braces, avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods like gum, nuts, and caramel. These can not only damage the braces but also worsen the current break. - Stay Comfortable
If the broken braces cause discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling if needed.
What to Do If You Break Your Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, provide a subtle and comfortable option compared to traditional braces. However, they can still be damaged if not handled properly. If you break or lose your clear aligners, follow these steps:
- Inspect the Damage
If your aligner is cracked or broken but still intact, you may be able to continue wearing it until you can contact your orthodontist. However, if it’s severely damaged, you should not wear it, as it may not properly fit your teeth and could hinder your treatment. - Use Your Previous Set of Aligners
If you have an old set of aligners, you can use them temporarily until you receive a new set. Wearing your previous aligners is better than not wearing anything at all, as it will keep your teeth from shifting too much while you await a replacement. - Contact Your Orthodontist for a Replacement
If you break your aligner or lose it, contact the orthodontist as soon as possible. We can help you order a replacement aligner to keep your treatment on track. In some cases, we may also recommend an adjustment in your treatment timeline. - Be Extra Careful With Your Aligners
To avoid damaging your aligners in the future, always store them in their case when not in use, and be mindful when removing or cleaning them. Avoid eating with your aligners in, as this can cause them to warp or crack.
Why Choose Compton Orthodontics?
At Compton Orthodontics, we understand that life happens, and sometimes braces or clear aligners can get damaged. That’s why we offer timely and efficient solutions to help get your treatment back on track. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality care and personalized treatments to meet your orthodontic needs. Whether you have a broken bracket or need a replacement aligner, we’re here to help!
If you ever find yourself in need of expert orthodontic care, don’t hesitate to visit our office. We’ll work with you to ensure that your smile stays on track throughout your treatment journey. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!