What You Need to Know
When to Wait and When to See a Dentist
If a part of your braces breaks, it’s important to assess the situation before taking action. If a loose bracket or wire comes out easily without causing pain, you may carefully remove it. However, if the broken piece is stuck or painful to remove, do not force it. Instead, cover any sharp or protruding edges with orthodontic wax, cotton balls, gauze, or a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum to prevent irritation or injury to your mouth.
If a wire is poking into your gums, cheek, or tongue, do not attempt to pull it out yourself—this can cause further damage. Instead, seek immediate care from your orthodontist to safely address the issue.
For loose brackets or wires that are not causing pain, emergency attention is usually not required. However, it’s still best to schedule an orthodontic appointment as soon as possible to prevent further issues or discomfort.