When it comes to orthodontic treatment in Northbrook, Chicago, and Glencoe, broken brackets are a common concern that brings patients to our office. At Lippitz Orthodontics, we frequently address broken brackets caused by everything from dietary choices to accidental impacts. Understanding the primary causes of broken brackets helps our Northbrook patients prevent these setbacks in their orthodontic journey. “Why do my brackets keep breaking?” It’s a common question we hear from patients throughout Chicago’s northern suburbs and here in Rogers Park. Understanding what leads to bracket damage can save you unexpected visits to the orthodontist and keep your treatment on schedule.
It’s no secret that braces require specialized care in order to maintain a healthy smile during treatment, but if your child breaks a bracket, there’s no need to panic! Our orthodontist near Highland Park often treats patients who have come in with an unexpected broken bracket. It’s only natural to experience some mishap while wearing braces, but understanding what causes broken brackets can help reduce the frequency of them.
Understanding Bracket Structure
Before diving deeper into causes and prevention, it’s important to understand how brackets work. Each bracket is carefully bonded to your tooth using a special dental adhesive. The bracket itself consists of:
- A metal or ceramic base that attaches to your tooth
- Wings or slots that hold the archwire in place
- Small elastic bands (ligatures) that secure the wire Understanding this structure helps explain why certain activities can compromise your braces.
Common Causes of Bracket Damage
Here is some guidance from our team on how to avoid breaking a bracket:
- Eating hard, sticky foods that may have the force to pull the bracket off of the tooth. Common examples of foods that cause this include nuts, popcorn kernels, caramel candies, etc.
- Sustaining a mouth injury
- Brushing your teeth using too much force
- Using a toothpick
- Being too rough while flossing
Understanding these fundamental causes is essential, but let’s dive deeper into each factor to better protect your orthodontic investment…
Food-Related Bracket Damage
Beyond the basics listed above, many everyday foods can potentially damage brackets. Hard breads like bagels, raw vegetables, and even ice cubes can put excessive pressure on your braces. We recommend cutting tough foods into smaller, manageable pieces and avoiding biting directly into items like apples or corn on the cob. Many holiday foods such as sticky Halloween candy, caramel apples, popcorn can pop brackets off the teeth.
Sports and Physical Activities
For our active patients in Northbrook and surrounding areas, sports-related injuries are a significant concern. While we never want to discourage physical activity, we strongly recommend wearing a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard during any contact sports or high-impact activities. These specialized mouthguards provide extra protection for both your braces and teeth.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Proper brushing technique is crucial. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle, circular motions. When flossing, use orthodontic floss threaders or water flossers for easier cleaning between brackets without applying excessive force.
Additional Risk Factors for Broken Bracket Braces
Even with careful attention to the common causes listed above, brackets can sometimes break due to:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (especially during sleep)
- Using teeth as tools (opening packages, bottles, etc.)
- Playing with braces using tongue or fingers
- Biting into whole apples, carrots, or other hard fruits/vegetables instead of cutting them
- Contact sports without proper mouth protection
Even the most diligent patients experience hiccups throughout the process of wearing braces. In the case that your child does break a bracket, take the following steps.
Examine the Damage Level
Look at the level of damage that was caused by examining the wires surrounding the bracket. In the case that the wire is still attached to the bracket, use a cotton swab to gently push it back into place. The wire can be covered with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation and damage. If there are long wires that may cause damage to the mouth, we recommend using a pair of nail trimmers to cut the wire as closely as possible to the teeth. Only remove the bracket if it is very loose and keep it in a safe spot. Our orthodontist near Highland Park will reattach that bracket during the next appointment.
Temporary Solutions for Broken Brackets
While waiting for your appointment, several temporary solutions can help manage discomfort:
- Apply orthodontic wax generously around any protruding components
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce irritation
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
- Document the damage with photos to share with our team
- Keep the affected area extra clean to prevent inflammation
Schedule an Appointment
You’ll also want to schedule an appointment regardless of the extent of the damage. While damaged brackets are not considered an orthodontic emergency, it’s ideal to swiftly treat the problem to avoid any delay in treatment. Please get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!
Preventing Future Bracket Issues
At Lippitz Orthodontics, we believe prevention is key to successful treatment. Here are additional tips to protect your braces:
- Keep an orthodontic care kit with you containing wax, floss, and a small mirror
- Follow our dietary recommendations
- Attend all scheduled adjustment appointments
- Report any loose or uncomfortable brackets immediately
- Consider getting a custom-fitted mouthguard if you play sports**
Long-Term Success with Braces
Remember that successful orthodontic treatment is a partnership between our team and you. While broken brackets can be frustrating, they’re typically just a minor setback in your journey to a perfect smile. Our experienced team serving Northbrook, Chicago, and Glencoe is always here to help you navigate any challenges that arise during your treatment.
If you have any questions about broken brackets or other orthodontic concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Your comfort and successful treatment are our top priorities at Lippitz Orthodontics.
