What to do when you have a loose dental bracket

January 16, 2022

  

Loose brackets are a common problem among orthodontic patients. Dental brackets serve as anchors to hold an orthodontic archwire in place. The brackets themselves are tough, stable, and sturdy. But often the adhesive used to bond them in place is not as reliable. This is because the eventual plan is to remove brackets when teeth reach the proper placement. If you do have a bracket come loose, don’t panic. It is an easy fix as long as you know exactly what to do.

What causes a loose dental bracket?

Everything from eating habits to the placement of a bracket can cause them to loosen. A few common factors include:

• Consuming the wrong foods
• Improper brushing
• Mouth injuries
• Rough use of a toothpick
• Poor habits, such as chewing ice
• Weak attachment to the tooth
• Bracket attached to a filling or veneer
• Movement of teeth
• A change in bite

What to do about a loose bracket

A loose bracket can set your treatment back by months if you do not promptly correct it. So it is important to call the orthodontist for treatment options the moment you realize you have a loose bracket. If you are in need of a new archwire soon, the dentist may have you simply hold off until the next appointment. Otherwise, they will likely call you back in for an appointment so they can reattach the bracket and secure the archwire in the proper position. It is important to keep the office informed about your loose bracket so they can prepare in advance and add a little extra time for your next visit. Do not attempt to reattach or secure the dental bracket on your own with any type of temporary cement. 

Tips for dealing with a loose bracket while you wait for an appointment

There are a few temporary solutions you can try. First, stop and check to make sure the bracket is still attached to the wire. If yes, you can simply leave the loose bracket alone for now. If the bracket is uncomfortable you can use sterile tweezers to gently slide it out of the way, rotate it, or reposition it in the center of the tooth. You can also try using orthodontic wax to try and keep the bracket in the proper position and stop it from rubbing against your gums. If the wire is no longer attached to the bracket you can try to use a cotton swab to help gently push it back in place. If the bracket somehow becomes detached from the tooth and the wire you should keep track of it and take it with you to your appointment.

It is always important to be cognizant of your braces so that your orthodontic treatment stays on track. If you notice something odd or loose about your braces, you should contact your orthodontist right away.

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