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Jun 26, 2025
Braces are a one stop solution for several common orthodontic problems, including crooked and crowded teeth, disproportionate spacing, overbite and crossbite issues etc.
These can help people to restore their teeth to the perfect alignment and smile with confidence. This orthodontic device is made of metal and is fixed to the teeth when the jaws and bones are still developing, and the alignment can be easily restored.
Most people with misaligned teeth wear braces in their teenage years. The best part is you don't need to remove them while drinking or eating something hot. Although they are easy to maintain, some people still struggle with loose or broken braces, wires or brackets due to several reasons.
Don't freak out! It happens to almost everyone who has had braces at some point in their life. Luckily, you can easily fix it with the assistance of a trusted dentist in Hope Island. If you're looking for a quick fix, take a look at the guide below.
Here's what you need to know about fixing broken or loose braces until you get it permanently repaired by your dentist.
1. What Causes a Loose or Broken Bracket on Braces?
The brackets fixed to your teeth via orthodontic glue can break or detach due to varied reasons, such as:
- Eating hard food: There are certain food types that should be avoided after wearing braces. Hard food items are among them. This includes candies, ice, nuts, popcorn, pears, carrots, and other items that can put excessive pressure on the braces while chewing, leading to breakage or detachment of brackets.
- Aggressive Brushing and Flossing: This can also lead to breakage if done regularly. It is best to use a soft bristled toothbrush and be gentle when brushing around your braces. It is good to maintain dental hygiene without putting pressure on your braces.
- Lack of Bond Strength: In some cases, it is a possibility that the bracket is not set properly on your tooth. If your braces feel loose within a few days of your treatment, this may be a sign of bond failure.
- Mouth Injuries: The small rubber bands or wires that tend to hold the archwire may come off in case of any mouth injury or if you experience trauma to your mouth through an accident.
- Incorrect Chewing Habits: You may even struggle with poking or misaligned wires because of your bad habits, such as constantly chewing on fingernails, pens, or pencils. Be careful when braces are fixed on your teeth.
2. Secure the Broken Wire or Bracket
First things first! Schedule an appointment with your professional dentist Hope Island as soon as you face the problem. If the brackets come completely off a back tooth, slide them off the wire of your braces and secure them in an envelope or container. This is one of the best things you can do if you don't know how to fix it without professional assistance.
3. Use Tweezers to Temporarily Fix Poking Wire
If a wire has detached, come loose or is causing you pain, it can be helpful to trim it with properly sanitised tweezers. You can also use small pliers or nail clippers to bend the wires into a more comfortable possible.
This hack works well if the sharp end of the wire is poking into your cheek or gum. If it’s still poking you, carefully push the wire against the nearest tooth to reposition it using a clean cotton swab.
Tip: Don't forget to cover any loose or broken wires with orthodontic wax until you visit the clinic for permanent repair. This can help prevent cuts and mouth sores.
4. Rinse Your Mouth Regularly
If the broken or loose bracket is irritating, rinse your mouth with salt water. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a small glass of lukewarm water. Swish the salt water around in your mouth and spit it out. Do this at least 6-7 times a day to prevent infections and irritation.
5. Gently Apply Orthodontic Wax for Relief
There is no denying that orthodontic wax can do wonders in reducing your pain and discomfort caused by loose or broken braces. Here is how to use it like a pro:
- Clean and dry your hands properly
- Take a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten it and place it over the affected bracket or wire
- Remove the wax before eating your food, or replace it.
6. Schedule an Early Appointment
After doing all the temporary fixes, it is the best time to visit your professional Hope Island dentist for handling dental emergencies.
Contact them if you are still experiencing pain or discomfort after using a home remedy or if a band has completely fallen off. An orthodontist can easily fix the poking wire or broken braces, but aftercare is your responsibility.
Wrapping Up
Loose or broken braces can be irritating or even lead to cuts and sores. It is good to fix the issue as quickly as possible to prevent discomfort. Before visiting your dentist, you can try these temporary fixes and avoid further issues.
It is always good to consult professionals when in doubt, practice good chewing habits, and stay away from hard foods post your braces treatment.
