Broken Braces
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Braces can transform a smile, but, like other pieces of dental work, the wear and tear put on the mouth can cause breaks in the appliance. Broken braces require immediate care from an emergency dentist to repair the problem until an appointment for a permanent solution with an orthodontist can be made. In the Sacramento area, contact the emergency dentist at asapdentist.com to schedule an appointment. Waiting for the orthodontist to open his office could cause harm to the mouth, our Sacramento emergency dentist can help today.
Causes of broken braces
Braces are a complex appliance inside the mouth with many components, any of which can become loose or break. Do not be embarrassed about broken braces. Breaks are common with orthodontic appliances and our Sacramento emergency dentist has the knowledge and experience to help, no matter the cause. One of the most common reasons for broken braces is the patient not following the rules outlined by the orthodontist for general care of the braces, especially concerning food to avoid. Hard or sticky foods are a frequent cause of broken braces, but other things can also cause damage to the braces. Just as athletic events can damage teeth, they can harm braces, especially if contact sports are played without a mouth guard. Whatever the cause of the broken braces, our Sacramento emergency dentist can help with immediate repairs.
What to do in case braces break
Should components of the braces break, make a same-day appointment with our Sacramento emergency dentist to repair the problem until the next regular visit to the orthodontist. While waiting, if wires from the broken braces are causing discomfort, cover the end with a piece of candle or orthodontic wax. Gently move any protruding wires back toward the teeth with a pencil eraser to prevent discomfort and damage to the tissues inside the mouth. Should a spacer or band fall out, save it for the appointment with our emergency dentist in Sacramento. Saving the broken piece will also verify that the piece was not swallowed or aspirated (inhaled). For oral pain resulting from broken braces, rinse with warm salt water and take pain relieving medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
How to prevent braces from breaking
Our Sacramento clinic patients coming for care from our emergency dentist are always pleased with the results, but many would rather not have the emergency in the first place. To avoid the need for emergency repair of broken braces, proper care and maintenance of the braces is critical. This starts with following the guidelines given by the orthodontist. There is a good reason for the lists of forbidden foods. These foods can force apart the components of the braces or break them. Though not enjoyable, avoid foods forbidden by the orthodontist such as caramels, hard candy, chewing gum, large pieces of fruit or vegetables, corn on the cob, pizza crusts and anything else excessively chewy or hard. Wearing a mouth guard during heavy contact sports or a lip guard during other sports will both provide comfort and protect the braces from breaking. Use the guard type recommended by the orthodontist who will make a decision based on the type of braces and the activity involved.
Broken braces are not the end of the world, but many require immediate care. Contact our Sacramento emergency dentist to repair the problem and get relief from the resulting pain while waiting for the next regularly scheduled visit to the orthodontist.
