Help

Here are some things to try: Dry the area, press a small piece of orthodontic wax over the bracket or wire, and call if it does not improve.

Try to guide the wire back into the tube with tweezers, or clip only the loose end if you have been shown how. Cover with wax if needed.

Save the bracket if you still have it. Cover any sharp spots with wax and call so we can recement it. If it is still attached to the wire, leave it and use wax.

There are typically two categories of reasons why brackets come off. Sometimes if the proper technique is not used or there is an error in the protocol for placement, a bracket may not stay adhered to the tooth. We take pride in doing the best job we can to keep teeth dry and use the proper adhesives and techniques to adhere braces to teeth. Occationally something happens that is unexpected or unknown and the adhesion is not ideal so the brace becomes loose. Braces can also come off because of chewing on things that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy, or just simply not being careful when biting down. Although problems in each category are not completely avoidable, we will do our part to glue things securely and we ask that patients do their part to be careful to not break braces or appliances.

This is usually not urgent. Keep the area clean and we can replace the tie at your next visit, or sooner if a wire is sliding.

Soreness for a few days is common. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief (as directed on the label) usually help.

Wear the previous tray if you still have it, or move to the next if you were near the end of this one, and message the office so we can advise.

Use chewies as directed. If a section still will not seat after a day or two, call before moving to the next tray.

Keep wearing the current aligner and let us know. We will recement the attachment at an upcoming visit unless the tray no longer fits.