Fixed Braces Issues

Sometimes we need a little troubleshooting during fixed braces treatment. So here we go!

Broken Braces

Fixed braces are bonded onto teeth with a strong composite resin that helps braces stay on for a long period of time, even in an environment of high chewing forces.

Understanding Why Do Braces Break is important to avoid this from happening.

Factors that increase the risk of braces breaking include: Teeth Factors:

  • Short teeth with little leeway between upper and lower teeth.
  • Teeth with a high gum line covering tooth enamel.
  • Oddly shaped teeth with an awkward bonding surface.
  • Teeth with non-natural surfaces like fillings and crowns.
  • Baby teeth.
  • The last tooth in the line of braces.
  • Teeth next to spaces/ gaps.

Habits:

  • Grinders and habitual teeth clenchers.
  • Ice cube chewing and other hard food.

Trauma:

  • An unexpected hit to the mouth can knock out braces.
Helpful Tips for broken braces

 

What to do:

If the loose piece is very loose and feels like it will dislodge completely, gently remove it with your fingers or eyebrow tweezers. Manage the exposed wire as discussed in the next section of poky wires.

If the loose piece is on the main wire, stabilize it with a ball of braces wax.

Do notify the Team@MyBracesClinic by dropping us a Facebook Message, calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com. We would like to schedule an earlier appointment to get you comfortable.


Poky wires

Poky wires are a nuisance as it is scratchy and can cause ulcers when it catches on the lip, cheeks or gums.

 

What to do:

Treat the ulcer by drying the area with a tissue or cotton bud and applying a thin layer if ulcer cream as often as possible. Painkillers will certainly help to reduce discomfort. DO NOT cut the wire yourself. The instrument you use to cut the wire maybe dirty and lead to infection if you nick yourself. If the cutting instrument is blunt or bulky, you may actually cause more braces to break off and make matters worse.

If the poky wire is easily visible and it is soft and bendy, you may want to tuck it away with a rubberized end of a pencil.

Use a ball of braces wax to cover it up.

Kindly notify the Team@MyBracesClinic by dropping us a Facebook Message, calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com. We would like to schedule an earlier appointment to get you comfortable.


Swallowed Your Braces?

The braces are about the size of orange seeds and are made of surgical-grade stainless steel and porcelain.

 

What to do:

If the loose braces are accidentally swallowed, it usually passes out uneventfully when you head for the loo (and do a poo!). Often patients are unaware that they have swallowed it.

However, if you experience any discomfort, do head to the nearest medical doctor for an assessment and notify us ASAP.

Please notify the Team@MyBracesClinic by dropping us a Facebook Message, calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com. We would like to schedule an earlier appointment to get you comfortable.