Braces are a very effective way to fix misaligned teeth, but they can be a bit fragile. If you aren’t careful your braces can easily end up damaged, which will make them far less effective and could even lead to other issues.
But how do you know if your braces are damaged? And what can you actually do about it?
Identify Common Types of Damage
The good news is that in most cases it is really obvious when your braces are damaged, and all you need to do is inspect them visually. If you do you should be able to spot any issues.
Some of the common types of damage that you should keep an eye out for include:
- Loose or broken brackets that are moving around or have come off entirely.
- Broken wires that have come out of the band and are sticking out at irregular angles.
- Loose bands that are hanging off and out of place.
- Bent metal ties that are pointing in the wrong direction.
Suffice to say if any part of your braces looks like it is out of position, bent, or loose – odds are it is damaged. At times because the wires or bands are out of place it may be painful, so if you feel that your jaw, cheeks, or gums are hurt you should try to find the cause.
What To Do When Braces Are Damaged
Typically the best thing to do if you suspect that your braces are damaged is to book an appointment with your orthodontist. That way you can get them fixed quickly, and avoid any further issues.
If the damage is minor you may be able to fix the braces yourself by slipping wires or bands back into place. However if you do try to fix your braces on your own, you should be very careful that you don’t make things worse.
Generally speaking your best bet is to just treat any other issues that are being caused by the broken braces. For example you could cover the sharp edges of wires with wax, and use antiseptic rinses to treat any cuts or sores that they’ve caused.
That should help to keep the damage to a minimum while you wait for your orthodontist appointment, and ensure that things don’t get worse.
Final Words
In the long run you should try your best to avoid damaging your braces of Bristol. That should be relatively easy, and all you need to do is make sure that you’re careful and avoid certain types of foods. If you haven’t already discussed it with your orthodontist, you should definitely do so at your next appointment.
Keep in mind that the earlier you identify any damage to your braces and get it fixed, the better off you’ll be. That is why you should inspect your braces once or even twice a day – ideally right before or after you brush and clean your teeth.
