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A loose bracket or a braces wire poking the inside of your cheek is a problem that can happen during treatment with fixed braces. It may cause pain, irritation or sores inside the mouth. Although it is usually not a serious emergency, if left alone it can affect your comfort and your orthodontic treatment plan. Knowing how to cope at first helps reduce discomfort before you see your dentist.
What causes a bracket to come loose?
A bracket is a small device attached to the tooth surface that works with the archwire to move teeth to their planned positions.
Possible causes of a loose bracket include:
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Biting hard or sticky foods: such as ice, nuts, hard candy or sticky foods that cling to the teeth.
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Impact: from sports, accidents or biting on objects.
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Chewing forces: especially when some teeth touch the brackets while biting.
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Problems with how the appliance is bonded: this can result from several factors during use.
What should you do if a bracket comes loose?
If a bracket has come off the tooth surface, do the following:
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Check the position of the bracket: if it is still attached to the wire, do not pull or remove it yourself.
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Use orthodontic wax: cover the loose bracket or any part rubbing against your cheek.
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Avoid hard and sticky foods: to reduce the chance of further damage to the appliance.
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Keep the whole bracket that came off: if it has come out of your mouth, keep it in a clean container to bring to your dentist for checking.
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Contact your orthodontic clinic: tell them which bracket came off and what symptoms you have so the dentist can assess when you should come in for repair.
Do not use ordinary glue to stick the bracket back on yourself, as this may harm your teeth and the tissues in your mouth.
What should you do if a braces wire pokes your cheek?
A braces wire may stick out or shift while the teeth are moving, so that the wire end rubs against the inside of the cheek, the lips or the gums and causes pain.
First steps to take
1. Cover the wire end with orthodontic wax
Wash your hands thoroughly and dry the wire end, then roll a small piece of orthodontic wax into a ball and press it over the area that is poking or rubbing your cheek to temporarily reduce irritation.
2. Gently reposition the wire only when it is safe to do so
If a thin wire end is sticking out, you may use a clean cotton swab or a clean pencil eraser to gently push it flat against the tooth. Do not force it or use much pressure. If you cannot do it, stop and consult your dentist.
3. Rinse with warm salt water
If rubbing has caused a sore, you can rinse with warm salt water to help relieve irritation. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and spit it out afterwards.
4. Contact your dentist for a fix
If the wire end keeps poking your cheek, or causes sores and ongoing pain, make an appointment for your dentist to examine you and adjust the appliance.
Caution: Do not cut the braces wire yourself with ordinary scissors or pliers without your dentist’s advice, as this may damage the appliance or cause further injury.
Do you need to see a dentist urgently if a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes?
The urgency depends on the type of damage and the symptoms.
| Type of problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Bracket loose but not painful | Contact the clinic to schedule a repair |
| Wire pokes the cheek slightly | Use orthodontic wax and book a check-up |
| Wire cuts and causes a sore or severe pain | Should be examined as soon as possible |
| Heavy bleeding that will not stop, or difficulty breathing | Go to an emergency medical facility immediately |
If part of the appliance has come off and you suspect you may have inhaled it, especially if you have a severe cough or abnormal breathing, seek emergency medical help.
How to prevent loose brackets and wires poking your cheek
Looking after your braces properly helps reduce the risk of problems during treatment, for example:
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Avoid biting directly into hard or sticky foods
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Cut food into small pieces before eating
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Do not bite pens or nails, or use your teeth to open packaging
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Brush and clean around the brackets gently
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Attend your appointments so your braces can be checked and adjusted
Care for braces problems with TDH Dental
If a bracket comes loose, a wire pokes your cheek, or your braces are damaged, contact the clinic for advice and an assessment before further damage occurs.
At TDH Dental you can consult an experienced dental team who will check your braces and plan how to resolve the problem appropriately, along with advice on caring for your mouth during orthodontic treatment.
Because good orthodontic treatment is not only about aligning the teeth, but also about continuous oral health care throughout the treatment.
