Braces are built to be durable, but sometimes life happens. The result can be broken brackets, loose bands, or a poking wire. When braces break, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to do next. The good news is that your orthodontist in Melbourne can repair most issues quickly and safely. We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate minor orthodontic mishaps.

Common Types of Braces Issues

Braces are designed to withstand daily wear, but certain foods, habits, or plain old accidents can occur. Studies have found that younger patients (under 16) experience breakage more often than older ones. Here are the most common types of breakage that we see:

• Loose brackets
• Protruding or broken wire
• Detached elastic band
• Broken appliance or retainer
• Lost spacer or separator

Not every issue requires an emergency visit, but knowing what you’re dealing with helps you take the correct next step. 

Immediate Steps You Can Take at Home

If your braces break, the first step is to stay calm and assess the situation. Most minor issues can be managed safely at home until you visit your orthodontist’s office. 

Orthodontic wax is your best option for any discomfort caused by sharp edges or wires. Roll a small piece of the wax into a ball and press it gently over the area to create a smooth barrier. 

If a wire is sticking out and causing severe discomfort, an adult can carefully clip the end using a sterilized nail clipper. This may or may not be possible depending on where the break is. You should only use this option if you feel confident doing so. Otherwise, do your best with wax and call Reddick Orthodontics for guidance. 

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help soothe soreness or minor abrasions. It’s also a good idea to temporarily adjust your diet. Stick to strictly soft foods and avoid anything that could worsen the problem.

One important reminder: never try to glue a bracket back onto your tooth or bend a wire back into place. It takes a decade of training to learn how to do that and become an orthodontist. Please leave it to Dr. Reddick! A DIY fix is likely to cause more damage and could delay your treatment progress.

When to Call Our Office

Sometimes, braces break, causing a serious issue. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain, bleeding, or a wire that’s poking into your cheek or gums and causing injury, it’s time to give us a call. A bracket completely detached from the tooth or a loose wire no longer guides your teeth properly, warranting a professional repair. Even if the problem seems small, reaching out to us can help prevent delays in your treatment and avoid further pain or discomfort.

We encourage patients to call us anytime there’s a problem and they’re unsure of what to do next. Our team is here to answer questions, offer guidance, and schedule a repair visit if needed. We understand that orthodontic emergencies don’t always happen during business hours, so we do our best to accommodate urgent concerns quickly. Whether you’re in Melbourne, West Melbourne, or Palm Bay, we’re just a phone call away at (321) 254-5232.

Even if it’s after hours when you call that number, the message will provide you with an emergency number to reach Dr. Reddick or one of our orthodontic assistants immediately.

What to Expect During a Repair Appointment

We’ve seen many instances where broken braces don’t cause discomfort. However, your braces must still be repaired to keep your treatment on track. Our team will start by assessing the issue during a repair appointment. Most repairs are quick and straightforward. We’ll walk you through each step so you know exactly what’s happening. If a bracket has come off, we’ll clean the area and reattach it with fresh adhesive. If a wire has shifted or broken, we’ll trim or replace it to restore comfort and keep your treatment on track. 

If it is an emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us. We want to stress again that if you call us after hours, our main number will provide you with emergency contact information for help.