What to Do If Your Braces Break or Wires Poke Out
If your wires are poking your cheek or one of your brackets has become loose, you are probably feeling worried and not sure what to do to fix it! These issues are common among those who wear braces and may or may not be a serious dental emergency. Because problems with wires and brackets may happen several times throughout your orthodontic treatment duration, our South Perth Dentist decided to write this article so that you know what you can do if anything unexpected occurs and easy ways to prevent possible problems.
If you’re in Perth and looking for advice on what to do when braces break, or if you need emergency dental care near you, our experienced Emergency Dentist Perth is here to help with same-day support and treatment when needed.
Common Causes of Broken Braces or Poking Wires
When you were having your wires and brackets fixed, you were probably under the impression that your orthodontic devices are built to last through your treatment and endure all sorts of pressure. But that’s not true and sometimes, even small things can lead to break them and lead to discomfort. Here are some everyday habits and situations that may cause issues with your braces and wires.
Eating Hard Foods
If you love eating hard foods like nuts, popcorn, ice, or crunchy chips, you need to be extra careful if you are wearing dental braces. Sometimes, even one wrong bite can cause your brackets to become loose or a wire to bend out of place. This is often one of the most common reasons we see broken braces.
Eating Sticky or Chewy Foods
Once you have your braces on, you may need to stay away from sticky lollies, chewing gum, and toffees because they can get wrapped around the wires or pull on the brackets and cause them to become loose or even break.
Biting into Something Too Forcefully
Your wires and brackets may not be able to tolerate the pressure from biting things like crusty rolls, apples, or meat on the bone. Even if it doesn’t break right away, that kind of pressure can weaken your braces over time.
Accidental Trauma or Injury to the Mouth
If you wear braces, sometimes a fall, bump, or knock to the face, even something as simple as getting hit while playing, can easily damage your braces and cause your wires to bend or your brackets to come loose.
Playing Contact Sports Without a Mouthguard
It’s not fair to ask you to stay away from everything you like now that you have decided to straighten your teeth! However, we recommend that you avoid playing any contact sport without wearing a proper mouthguard. One hit can leave you with broken wires or painful cuts inside your cheeks and lips.
Poor Oral Hygiene or Brushing Too Hard
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is always important but now that you have some wires and brackets, taking care of your teeth becomes extra important. Just one small tip! If you brush your teeth too hard, you may damage your wires or knock your brackets out of place. Here’s one more thing to bear in mind: not brushing well enough can lead to decay under your brackets, which may loosen the bond over time. So, make sure you follow the proper brushing technique to avoid complications.
Using Teeth to Open Packages or Bite Non-Food Items
You’re right! It seems so quick and easy to use your teeth to tear open a wrapper or bite through plastic, but you’re also increasing your risks of breaking your brackets! Braces aren’t designed to handle that kind of force.
Normal Wear and Tear Over Time
Even when you’re doing everything right, braces go through a lot of pressure as your teeth move throughout your orthodontic treatment time. After months of daily use, some parts of your braces may naturally wear down or shift, which can lead to minor breakages or poking wires, so that’s not your fault.
Wires Shifting After an Adjustment
After you visit your orthodontist for an adjustment, your wires may start to shift slightly as your teeth move to their new position. Sometimes, this can lead to a wire sticking out at the back or sides and causing discomfort.
Chewing on Pens, Pencils, or Fingernails
Some people bite on pens or their nails, especially when they are stressed or distracted. This habit can easily bend your wires and loosen your brackets. Even small repeated pressure can lead to damage over time.
Grinding or Clenching Teeth (Bruxism)
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, it can put extra pressure on your braces. Over time, this force can loosen brackets or shift wires out of place.
Immediate Steps to Alleviate Discomfort
If something doesn’t feel right with your braces, there are a few simple things you can do at home to ease the pain and stop things from getting worse.
Use Orthodontic Wax
In case something happens to your braces, you can use orthodontic wax! Orthodontic wax is an easy and effective way to stop a poking wire or loose bracket from irritating your mouth. All you need to do is roll a little piece into a ball, then gently press it over the spot that’s bothering you. It creates a smooth layer that protects your cheeks and gums from rubbing.
Adjust The Wire with A Cotton Swab or Pencil Eraser
If a wire is sticking out, you might be able to fix it by gently pushing it back into place. You can use a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil to gently guide the wire back toward the bracket.
Trim The Wire with Sterilised Nail Clippers
If the wire is too long or sharp and keeps poking you, and you can’t push it back, you can carefully trim the end. Make sure the nail clippers are clean and dry, and be gentle. It’s a temporary fix, but it can stop the wire from scratching your cheek or gum.
Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods
If you are dealing with broken braces or poking wires, it’s best to avoid anything that could make it worse, like chips, popcorn, nuts, or crusty bread. These types of foods can put pressure on already weakened parts of your braces and cause more damage.
Stick to Soft Foods Until You See Your Orthodontist
Try to stick to softer foods because they are gentle on your braces and at least will not worsen the issue until you can arrange an adjustment appointment with your orthodontist.
Keep The Area Clean to Prevent Infection
Please remember that even if something’s broken or poking, it’s still really important to brush and rinse regularly to keep the area clean and help prevent infection. Just be gentle around any sore or sensitive spots, and you’re good to go.
Avoid Touching or Playing with The Broken Braces
Most patients keep checking the broken piece with their tongue or fingers when something happens to their braces. We understand how tempting it can be, but try to avoid it. The more you touch it, the more irritation it can cause and there’s a higher risk of causing further damage or infection.
Contact Your Orthodontist As Soon As Possible
You’re asking our opinion? Let your orthodontist know, even if you believe the issue is not that serious or troubling to you. Your orthodontist can give you specific advice or fit you in for a quick repair because the sooner the problem is fixed, the less likely it will affect your treatment progress.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
While some minor braces issues can be handled at home, there are times when it’s best not to wait. If something feels more serious, it’s always best to ask for help.
If The Wire Is Causing Significant Pain or Bleeding
If a wire is digging into your cheek or gum and causing bleeding or severe pain, don’t wait and see your orthodontist as soon as possible. This kind of issue usually won’t get better on its own and could lead to further irritation or even infection if left untreated.
If You Can’t Fix the Issue with Wax or Trimming
Please remember that orthodontic wax or gentle wire adjustments are just ways to solve minor issues, but if these steps are not relieving your pain or discomfort, contact your orthodontist. You may need a repair to prevent more discomfort or damage to your braces.
If A Bracket or Band Has Come Off Completely
If one of the brackets or bands has fallen off and is no longer attached, you should visit your orthodontist for a professional reattachment. Leaving it off for too long can slow down your treatment and cause the wire to shift or irritate your mouth.
If A Wire Has Come Out of the Bracket
A loose wire that’s slipped out of a bracket can’t do its job properly and move your teeth into the desired position and can also cause discomfort. It’s important to have your orthodontist fix it as soon as possible so your treatment goes as planned.
If There’s Swelling, Sores, Or Signs of Infection
If you wear braces and you notice redness, swelling, pus, or sores in your mouth, contact your orthodontist immediately. These symptoms could point to an infection, and seeing your dentist quickly will help prevent it from spreading or getting worse.
If The Braces Are Too Loose and Not Working Properly
If you feel that parts of your braces are moving around or don’t feel secure, they may not be guiding your teeth the way they should. This can interfere with your treatment and cause the process to become longer, so it’s important to have it checked and adjusted by your orthodontist.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Broken Braces Or Poking Wires
We suggest you follow these simple habits to help you avoid complications when you have wires and brackets on:
- Avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods
- Cut food into smaller pieces before eating
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss carefully around wires and brackets
- Don’t use teeth to open packages or bite objects
- Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails
- Attend regular orthodontic check-ups
- Follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely
- Report any discomfort or issues early
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared
It is natural to feel a bit stressed if something happens to your wires and brackets. But these things happen, and the most important thing is to act early. The sooner you visit your orthodontist to fix the issue, the less likely it’ll cause pain or irritation or slow down your treatment.
Make sure you keep in touch with your orthodontist, even for small concerns. You don’t need to wait until the problem becomes painful or complicated.
Braces Acting Up? Let’s Fix That Today
Braces should move your teeth—not ruin your day. Whether it’s a sharp wire, a loose bracket, or just something that doesn’t feel right, we’re here to sort it quickly and gently. At Acts Dental, we treat every smile with care and urgency so you can get back to feeling confident, comfortable, and in control of your treatment.
We also provide safe and effective wisdom teeth removal in Perth using the latest dental techniques.
We are proud to be a Bupa-preferred provider, Medibank-preferred provider, HBF-preferred provider, HCF-preferred provider, and NIB-preferred provider dentist in Perth.
Book your appointment today (08) 9474 5083.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do if a wire from my braces is poking my cheek or gum?
You could try putting some orthodontic wax on the sharp part so it feels smooth. You can also gently push the wire back into place with a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil. If none of these methods help, contact your orthodontist for help.
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Can I cut a poking wire at home?
We usually recommend our patients avoid cutting wires at home. However, if it is causing severe discomfort and you can't see your orthodontist, you may be able to use sterilised nail clippers to cut them. You can also use orthodontic wax over the end to prevent irritation.
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Is it normal for braces wires to poke out occasionally?
Yes, as your teeth shift during your treatment, wires may sometimes poke out and cause discomfort. This is common, especially after adjustments.
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How can I tell if a bracket is loose or broken?
A loose or broken bracket may feel wobbly or move along the wire. You might also feel discomfort or irritation in the area.
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What causes braces to break or wires to poke out?
Factors such as eating hard or sticky foods, accidental trauma to the mouth, or normal wear and tear during treatment may cause your wires and brackets to break or come loose.
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Can I use something other than orthodontic wax for relief?
Orthodontic wax is specifically designed for this purpose and is our preferred option. However, if you don't have orthodontic wax, you can try using a small piece of sugarless chewing gum temporarily.
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Is it safe to push a poking wire back into place?
Yes, you can use a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire back into a more comfortable position to avoid irritation. Just be careful not to apply too much force to avoid further damage.
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What should I do if a bracket falls off completely?
If a bracket detaches from your tooth but remains on the wire, leave it in place and apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. However, if it comes off entirely, keep it safe and bring it to your next orthodontic appointment.
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Can I eat normally if I have a broken bracket or poking wire?
Yes, you can, but you may feel some discomfort. We suggest you try soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy foods to prevent further damage and irritation until you can visit your orthodontist for a fix.
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Is it an emergency if a wire is poking me?
It is if it is causing significant pain or bleeding in your cheek or gums.
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Will a broken bracket or poking wire affect my treatment progress?
Yes, damaged wires and brackets may affect the effectiveness of your treatment and may prolong the process.