Dr. Libby: How to avoid broken brackets on your braces

By Dr. Warren Libby, DDS

Anchorage orthodontist Dr. Warren Libby, DDS

Orthodontic brackets can break off for various reasons, and it's important to take steps to prevent this from happening. Broken brackets can cause sore areas with pokey wires which can be an inconvenience or require an extra emergency visit to the orthodontist. Broken brackets can also slow treatment progress resulting in a longer time in braces. It’s important to keep them on! Here are the top reasons why orthodontic brackets can break off, along with prevention tips:

Eating Hard or Sticky Foods:

●      Reason: Chewing on hard or sticky foods can put too much pressure on the braces and cause them to come off. Certain foods can be challenging to chew and may contribute to bracket breakage.

Broken brackets can slow treatment progress for patients with braces.

●      Prevention: Be mindful of what you eat. Avoid foods like nuts, hard candies, ice cubes, popcorn, and sticky candies. Cut up hard fruits and vegetables before eating. See the Murray Orthodontics brace watcher’s diet!

Trauma or Accidents:

●      Reason: Accidents or trauma to the mouth can cause wires to dislodge or brackets to break.

●      Prevention: Be cautious during physical activities or contact sports. If a significant impact occurs, check carefully and call us if there are any concerns. Wear an appropriate mouthguard for any contact sports (ShockDoctor makes a nice mouth guard that fits over braces).

Chewing on Inedible Objects:

●      Reason: Chewing on pencils, pens, or other non-food items, can put unnecessary stress on the brackets. Using your teeth to open packages or perform tasks can lead to bracket damage.

●      Prevention: Avoid chewing on anything other than food. If you have a habit of chewing on objects, try to find alternative ways to cope with stress or nervousness.

Wearing Elastics Improperly:

●      Reason: Elastics can place stress on brackets that can contribute to breakage.

●      Prevention: Always wear elastics as instructed. Take a photo with your phone for future reference. If you are unsure, please let us know.

Extended Time Between Appointments:

●      Reason: Too long between appointments can increase the risk of breakage. Missed appointments, travel, and other reasons can increase the time between your regular orthodontic appointments.

●      Prevention: Stay in communication with Murray Orthodontics about your appointments. We can help you plan for anticipated absences. If you missed an appointment unexpectedly, we will accommodate you as best we can.

Moisture or Plaque Contamination During Placement:

●      Reason: Keeping your teeth clean and dry while placing braces is essential for successful bonding of the braces to your teeth. Bonding braces is most reliable to natural enamel. Fillings or crown materials are more difficult to bond reliably.

●      Prevention: Murray Orthodontic team members train constantly to use the best techniques for the most reliable results. Work with us as best you can while in the chair to help us keep your teeth dry. Healthy teeth and gums are much easier to keep dry–so practice good oral hygiene before and during your time wearing braces.

Please be aware that when we inquire about why brackets may have broken we are not trying to place blame, but rather want to determine what happened so we can address the issue and prevent it from happening again. We are collaborating with you during your treatment. Working together makes your treatment successful and your journey more pleasant.

It's important to note that even with proper care, brackets can occasionally break due to factors beyond your control. If a bracket does break, contact Murray Orthodontics as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. We will advise you on the best course of action to fix or replace the bracket. To prevent brackets from breaking, it's important to follow the brace watcher’s diet and all guidelines for care and maintenance. Additionally, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid problematic foods, wear a mouthguard during physical activities, and communicate any concerns promptly. Remember, a little extra care can go a long way in ensuring the success of your orthodontic treatment.

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