Broken Brackets, Poking Wires and Mouth Sores: Handling Common Braces Problems

Braces are dependable, but day-to-day problems are common: a bracket pops off, a wire starts poking your cheek, or a sore appears right where the metal rubs. Most of these aren't emergencies, and many can be managed at home until you can get an appointment. Here's what to do.

• Try gently pushing the wire flat with the eraser end of a clean pencil or a cotton swab.
• Cover the end with orthodontic wax to protect your cheek.
• Call your orthodontist's office so they can trim or adjust it. Don't cut wires yourself unless they tell you how.

If a bracket comes off the tooth but stays on the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax if it rubs. If it comes out entirely, save it and bring it to your appointment. Call the office to let them know — a loose bracket isn't usually urgent, but it can slow treatment if left too long.

• Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day.
• Use orthodontic wax over the bracket that's causing the sore.
• Over-the-counter oral anesthetic gels can ease pain temporarily.
• Call your provider if a sore doesn't heal within a week or two.

A missing colored tie around a bracket is common and usually fixed at your next visit. If you wear rubber bands between your jaws and run out, call for more — skipping them slows progress.

Teeth are often tender for a few days after the wire is changed or tightened. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers taken as directed usually help.

• A wire is stuck in your gum or cheek and you can't cover it
• Swelling, significant bleeding or signs of infection
• A blow to the mouth that loosens teeth or damages the braces

In those cases, call your orthodontist right away, or seek dental or emergency care if you can't reach them.

Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods — popcorn kernels, hard candy, taffy and ice are frequent culprits. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.

If you or your teen are still deciding on treatment, clear aligners avoid brackets and wires altogether. An Infinity Aligner certified provider can explain whether aligners suit your case.