Broken Braces Brackets? Emergency Orthodontic Care in Paramus
Braces are one of the most reliable ways to straighten teeth and improve a smile. Each small bracket plays an important role in guiding the wire and moving the teeth. But what happens when one of these brackets breaks?
If you or your child is dealing with broken braces or brackets, it is important to act quickly. Ignoring the issue can cause discomfort and even slow down orthodontic treatment. The good news is, Emergency Orthodontic Care in Paramus is available, and solutions are closer than you think.
What Causes Brackets to Break?
Broken brackets are a fairly common issue. Knowing what causes brackets to break can help you avoid future problems. Here are the most frequent causes:
Eating hard or sticky foods – Crunchy chips, caramel, nuts, or hard candy can easily snap a bracket.
Sports injuries – A hit to the mouth during sports can loosen or break a bracket.
Chewing on objects – Biting nails, chewing pens, or opening packages with teeth may damage braces.
Normal wear and tear – Sometimes, brackets simply weaken over time.
Signs You May Have a Broken Bracket
Sometimes, a broken bracket is easy to spot. Other times, it may not be so obvious. Look for these signs:
The bracket feels loose or shifts on the tooth
The bracket has fully detached from the tooth
A wire is poking into your cheek or gums
Food is getting trapped more than usual in the area
Mild soreness or irritation in your mouth
If you notice one or more of these, you likely have a broken braces bracket that needs attention.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Broken Bracket
It may be tempting to wait until your next scheduled appointment, but ignoring a broken bracket can cause problems. Quick action prevents bigger complications later, so act immediately.
Treatment delays – Teeth may not move as planned, extending your treatment time.
Discomfort – A loose bracket or sharp wire can irritate the inside of your mouth.
Oral injuries – Wires can poke and cause small cuts or sores.
Risk of more damage – A single broken bracket may put pressure on other brackets.
What To Do Immediately If a Bracket Breaks
If you notice a broken bracket, here are a few steps you can take until you see your orthodontist:
Stay calm – It’s a common issue and can be fixed.
Check the bracket – See if it’s still attached to the wire or completely off.
Use orthodontic wax – Cover sharp edges to protect your mouth.
Clip wires if necessary – If a wire is too long or poking, use clean nail clippers to trim it carefully.
Avoid hard foods – Stick to soft meals like yogurt, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Call your orthodontist – Schedule an emergency orthodontic appointment in Paramus.
When Broken Braces Become an Emergency
Not every broken bracket is an emergency, but there are times when you need care right away:
Severe pain or bleeding
A wire cuts your cheek, gums, or tongue
Several brackets are breaking at once
Braces damaged due to an accident or fall
If you experience any of these, contact an orthodontist near Paramus immediately.
Emergency Orthodontic Care in Paramus
Living in or near Paramus means you can visit Paramus Orthodontics for professional orthodontic care when you need it most. Getting help quickly ensures your treatment stays on track. During an emergency visit, here’s what usually happens:
Your orthodontist will carefully examine the damaged bracket.
Loose brackets are removed and replaced if possible.
Wires may be clipped, adjusted, or reattached.
If full repairs can’t be done immediately, temporary fixes are provided until your next visit.
Preventing Broken Braces and Brackets
While accidents can happen, prevention is always the best solution. Here’s how to reduce the chances of dealing with broken braces:
Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods.
Use a sports mouthguard if you play contact sports.
Don’t chew on pens, nails, or ice.
Brush and floss gently to keep brackets clean and intact.
Keep up with regular orthodontic appointments.
Why Choose Paramus Orthodontics for Emergency Orthodontic Care Near Paramus
At Paramus Orthodontics, we understand that broken brackets can cause stress and discomfort. That’s why we provide prompt and reliable emergency orthodontic care for patients in Paramus and the surrounding areas.
Here’s why families choose us:
Experienced orthodontic team – Years of expertise in handling both routine and emergency care.
Convenient location for Paramus residents – Easy access when you need quick help.
Comprehensive orthodontic care – Braces, Invisalign, retainers, and more.
Emergency-friendly scheduling – We make time for urgent visits to get you back on track.
Compassionate care – Our goal is to make every patient feel comfortable and cared for. Your smile is important to us, and we’ll do everything possible to keep your orthodontic journey moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do if a bracket falls off completely?
If a bracket falls off:
Save it, if possible. Put it in a clean container and bring it to your next orthodontist appointment.
Call your orthodontist to let them know what happened and schedule a repair.
If the wire is poking you, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp ends and reduce irritation.
2. Can I eat normally with a broken bracket?
Not quite. With a broken bracket:
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods (nuts, gum, chips, etc.) as they can cause more damage.
Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, pasta, or smoothies until it's fixed.
3. Is a broken bracket considered an emergency?
Usually, no, it’s not an emergency, but it does need attention.
It can be uncomfortable and affect your treatment if not addressed.
Contact your orthodontist during office hours to schedule a repair.
Seek urgent care if the wire is causing injury or if you're in significant pain.
4. Can I fix a broken bracket at home?
No, do not try to reattach a bracket at home. However:
You can use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges or hold a loose bracket in place.
If a wire is poking, use clean tweezers or nail clippers (sterilized) to carefully trim or reposition it, but only if you can't get to the orthodontist quickly.
5. How quickly should I see an orthodontist after a bracket breaks?
Ideally, within a few days to a week:
Call as soon as it happens.
Your orthodontist will guide you based on how critical the bracket is to your treatment.
Waiting too long may delay your progress.
6. Can broken brackets delay my treatment?
Yes, they can:
Broken brackets mean less effective pressure on your teeth, which slows down movement.
Frequent breakages can extend your treatment time and may result in extra visits.
7. How can I prevent brackets from breaking again?
Follow these tips:
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods (ice, nuts, caramel, popcorn, etc.).
Don’t bite into things with your front teeth, like apples or crusty bread
Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
Brush and floss gently, and avoid using your braces as a tool (e.g., opening packages).
