Broken Orthodontic Wire or Bracket

Call (08) 9227 6468 for urgent care

What to do when braces break

When a wire starts poking or a bracket pops loose, it can feel like the smallest piece of metal has just taken over your whole mouth. It’s uncomfortable, distracting, and sometimes even painful. Maybe it was biting into something hard or sticky, a knock to the mouth, or even just everyday chewing—but however it happened, the result is the same: irritation you can’t ignore. While it’s rarely an emergency, it’s important to get it fixed quickly so you can stay comfortable and keep your braces doing their job.

Step 1: Contact Alma Dental Surgery immediately

If a wire snaps, bends, or starts poking your cheek—or if a bracket becomes loose—call us right away. We’ll assess whether you need an urgent appointment or can be scheduled at the next available time.

• Tell us if you’re in pain or discomfort so we can prioritise your visit.
• Don’t wait until your next routine check-up—broken appliances can set back your treatment progress.

Step 3: Manage discomfort at home

While you wait to see us, you can take steps to protect your mouth and reduce irritation:

• Use orthodontic wax (provided at the start of your treatment) to cover sharp or protruding wires.
• If you don’t have wax, try clean cotton wool or gauze as a temporary barrier.
• Gently reposition the wire with a clean cotton bud or the eraser end of a pencil—only if it’s safe and comfortable to do so.
• Rinse with warm salty water to soothe any irritated areas and keep them clean.

Step 4: Avoid DIY repairs

It might be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself, but attempting to bend or cut the wire can cause more damage and increase the risk of injury. Always let your orthodontist handle repairs.

When to seek emergency care

While most broken wires or brackets are not emergencies, you should seek urgent dental attention if:

• The wire is embedded in your cheek, tongue, or gum
• You have swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection
• You are in severe pain