Broken Orthodontic Wire or Bracket

Dental First Aid: What Do I Do If I Break An Orthodontic Wire Or Bracket?

Orthodontic wires are made from delicate metals and can be broken or damaged as a result of a number of things, including biting into tough food or the forces applied when chewing. If you break a wire or a bracket becomes loose, please contact us immediately to book an appointment to have it fixed. If the broken item is causing pain or discomfort, please let us know so that we can book an emergency appointment for you.

Leaving your orthodontic appliance broken may delay treatment, so it is important to have it repaired sooner rather than later. In the meantime, if you are experiencing discomfort from a sharp or broken wire or bracket, you can try using the orthodontic wax we gave you or try gently positioning some gauze or cotton wool to cover the wire until you come in to see us.