Braces are significant in orthodontic treatment as they address dental misalignment and improve overall health. Misaligned teeth can make it hard to chew, bite, or speak properly. Braces straighten the teeth and jaws, which makes it easier to bite and chew food, speak properly, and reduce stress on the jaw joints.
Without proper care, brackets and wires can break or come loose during orthodontic treatment. Understanding the importance of taking care of braces and wires, spotting the signs of damage, and knowing what to do right away will give you the confidence to handle these scenarios.
Signs of Braces Breaking and Wires Snapping
If you have braces as part of your dental treatment, you must watch out for any signs of trouble. Even though braces are made to last, sometimes things go wrong, like the braces breaking or the wires snapping. Pay attention to these signs to take immediate action to keep your treatment on track and your dental health in good shape.
Pain and Discomfort
If you suddenly start to feel pain or discomfort, it might be a sign that something is wrong with your braces or wires. Broken braces and wires can irritate the mouth’s soft tissues because of their sharp edges and projections. You may get cuts or sores if these rough edges are rubbed against your mouth.
Additionally, if your teeth start to misalign, it can increase pressure on certain areas of your teeth, gums, or jaw, leading to discomfort and pain.
Changes in Alignment
Look for wires that have moved significantly from their original placement, damaged brackets, or loose bands. Brackets and wires do more than only natural tooth movement; they also support and stabilize your teeth as they are straightened.
The archwire in your braces connects the brackets and puts pressure on your teeth to get them in the right place. When an archwire breaks, the constant force it exerts is interrupted. It can cause the teeth to shift or even shift back to their original locations.
Difficulty in Eating
If you find it hard to chew your food suddenly or notice changes in how you talk, it could be because your braces or wires broke. Pay attention to these difficulties, as they could be a clue that an orthodontist in Bethesda needs attention.
If your braces or wires break, it might throw off your teeth’s alignment and even cause biting problems. If your teeth aren’t correctly aligned, you may have trouble biting and ripping food because they don’t meet as you chew. Tough or crunchy meals may be more challenging to chew.
Immediate Steps to Take
Even though it may cause some worry, being aware of the urgent actions that must be taken can make all the difference in ensuring that your orthodontic treatment continues on schedule. You can ensure your comfort, limit any future damage, and seek the appropriate aid from your orthodontist if you take immediate action and know how to handle these circumstances.
Avoid Touching Your Braces
Braces have many different parts that work together. These parts include clamps, bands, wires, and rubber bands. If you touch or move a broken part, you can accidentally move or change the position of another part. It is best not to touch or play with them because doing so can make the situation much more uncomfortable.
In addition, you may exacerbate the damage or misalign the braces if you try to correct them on your own, making it more difficult for an orthodontist to restore them properly.
Using Orthodontic Wax for Temporary Relief
If your broken braces or wires are irritating or poking your soft tissues, you can get brief relief using orthodontic wax. Put a small amount on the area that hurts to make a smooth shield and ease the pain.
The braces’ broken parts may cause discomfort and irritation, but this cushioning effect can aid. This shielding makes it easier for you to eat, talk, and do regular activities.
Contact Your Orthodontist Immediately
Call your orthodontic office when you see signs that your braces are breaking or the wires are snapping. Your orthodontist has the education, training, and expertise to handle any possible orthodontic emergency. They can assess the level of the damage and identify the best way to move forward.
If you ignore damaged braces or a broken wire, the problem might worsen. Your teeth may shift or move in ways that aren’t intended if your orthodontic components aren’t properly aligned or are loose. You may avoid more problems and ensure your treatment goes well by contacting your orthodontist.
Don’t Miss Your Orthodontic Appointments for Adjustment and Inspections
Contact an experienced orthodontist like Kumra Ortho to have the issue assessed and repaired as soon as possible. These orthodontists have gentle hands that can bring back your comfort.
With regular appointments, you can receive the necessary adjustments or replacements needed to restore the stability of your braces and wires.