Braces Emergency: Steps to Take When Braces Break
Braces are designed to handle everyday life, but a sudden poke or a loose bracket can still catch you off guard. If something on your braces breaks, take a breath. Many problems can be made comfortable at home for a short time, and a quick call to our office helps you decide the next best step. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, when to call right away, and how to prevent repeat issues in Vernon, Storrs, and nearby Tolland County communities like Manchester and Ellington.
First Things First – Your 5-Step Calm Plan
- Stop and assess: Look in a well-lit mirror to find the source of discomfort.
- Protect soft tissue: Dry the area and place a pea-sized ball of orthodontic wax over any sharp spot.
- Rinse gently: Use a warm saltwater rinse to soothe irritation.
- Stabilize – don’t force: If something is dangling, keep it in place with orthodontic wax or a small piece of clean gauze.
- Call our office: Describe what you see and how it feels. We will advise you on next steps and book a repair if needed.
Hygiene reminder: Wash your hands before touching your mouth or appliances. If you use a tool at home, clean it with soap and water, then disinfect it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
What’s Broken – And What It Usually Means
Loose bracket
- How it feels: Wiggly bracket sliding on the wire.
- Do not attempt to pull the bracket off or play with it, as this can risk damaging your tooth or the wire.
- Next step: Call us for guidance. If it is still attached to the wire and not painful, we may schedule you soon rather than later.
Poking wire
- How it feels: A sharp end irritating the cheek or lip.
- Temporary comfort: Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax over the wire to create a barrier and reduce irritation.
- Next step: If the wax doesn’t control the irritation or you cannot eat or sleep comfortably, call our orthodontist in Storrs or Vernon, CT, for an earlier visit.
Broken bracket
- How it feels: Causing discomfort and cutting cheeks.
- Temporary comfort: If a bracket is loose or broken on the wire, you can use tweezers to position it between teeth or in the center of a tooth. If your broken bracket is scraping your gums, use a warm salt water rinse to soothe the area and mitigate infection.
- Next step: Call us to arrange a repair. If clipping feels risky, stop and rely on wax until we see you.
Soreness or a mouth ulcer from an appliance
- How it feels: Tender spots, small ulcers, or cheek irritation.
- Temporary comfort: Wax over rough areas, warm saltwater rinses, and a cold compress for swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate as directed on the label.
- Next step: Let us know if sores persist longer than a week or if discomfort worsens.
- Swelling, fever, or spreading infection signs.
Gentle Relief You Can Use Today
- Orthodontic wax: Apply this wax to sharp wire ends or bracket surfaces to stop them from rubbing, stabbing, or scratching the soft tissues inside your mouth.
- Floss: Continue to floss regularly to prevent food particles from getting stuck until your braces can be fixed.
- Saltwater rinses: If a broken bracket has cut your cheek or gum, rinse with a warm saltwater solution (1 teaspoon salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water) to soothe the cut and reduce the risk of infection.
- Cold compress: 10–15 minutes on the cheek for swelling or irritation.
- Soft diet: Choose yogurt, pasta, eggs, soups, and smoothies until you are comfortable again.
- Oral hygiene: Brush with a soft-bristled brush and use floss threaders or interdental brushes around brackets and under wires to keep the area clean.
About our Practice: At Connecticut Valley Orthodontics, we take a supportive, patient-first approach to orthodontics. Learn more about our compassionate team and our story here.
Real Patients, Real Smiles
“We love CVO-Vernon. All three of our kiddos have had their braces done through this office. Dr. Daniels and his team are the best of the best. Mona specifically has put on all three over our children’s braces over the last 5 years. She is so kind, patient, and always willing to go at the speed the kids need. We are so lucky Dr. Daniels is local to us.” – Joshua T.
Broken Braces? Gert Support Fast!
If you’re ever unsure whether your issue is urgent, call our team at (860) 858-1940. We’re here to help keep your smile on track!
FAQs: Braces Emergencies & Care in Vernon & Storrs
Will my insurance cover my braces?
Insurance coverage for braces is highly variable, with most dental plans unfortunately not providing benefits. Some plans offer an annual or lifetime maximum, but the full cost is not always covered. Our orthodontist in Vernon or Storrs, CT, may determine that your orthodontic treatment is a medical necessity due to a specific issue. Call us at (860) 858-1940 if you have questions!
Can I eat with a loose bracket?
Yes – but keep chewing gentle and stick to soft foods until we see you. A loose bracket can rub your cheek or slide along the wire, so place wax over it to reduce irritation. Avoid hard or sticky foods and do not attempt to remove the bracket yourself. Call our team ASAP at (860) 858-1940 for support!
What are braces brackets?
Traditional braces consist of brackets affixed directly to the teeth, with wires threaded through their slots. While most are placed on the front of the teeth, some “lingual” braces are placed on the back for a virtually invisible appearance. Wires are typically held in place either by colorful rubber bands (ligatures) or built into “self-ligating” brackets. Visit our Braces page for more details!
Should I go to the ER for broken braces?
Most braces issues can be managed with temporary comfort steps until your orthodontic visit. Go to urgent care or the ER if you experience facial trauma with heavy bleeding, suspected broken teeth or jaw injury, or signs that you may have swallowed or aspirated a piece. Otherwise, call our orthodontist in Vernon, CT, for customized advice at (860) 858-1940!
What’s the purpose of orthodontic care?
The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to establish a healthy, functional bite, which involves correcting both tooth alignment and jaw position. When the teeth and jaws line up correctly, they can function as intended, promoting not only better oral health but also general physical well-being. To book a consultation, head over to our Contact page !