How to Handle a Broken Bracket - A Guide for Patients
Posted on 7/1/2026 by Roncone Orthodontics
Having a broken bracket can be frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of orthodontic treatment. But don't worry, it's a common issue and there are steps you can take to handle it until you see your orthodontist.
What is a Broken Bracket?
A bracket is a small metal or ceramic piece that is bonded to your tooth during orthodontic treatment. It acts as an anchor for the wires that move your teeth into the desired position. A broken bracket can occur for several reasons, including:
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Biting on hard foods: This is the most common cause of broken brackets. Avoid chewing on hard candies, ice, or other hard objects.
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Playing sports: If you play contact sports, it's important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.
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Trauma: An accident or injury to your mouth can also break a bracket.
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Poor oral care: If you don't brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up around the brackets, making them more likely to break.
What to Do if Your Bracket Breaks
If your bracket breaks, don't panic! Here are some steps you can take:
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Call your orthodontist: Let them know what happened and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
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Save the broken pieces: If possible, collect any broken pieces of the bracket and bring them to your appointment.
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Cover the sharp edges: Use wax or a piece of sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges of the broken bracket. This will help prevent it from irritating your mouth.
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Avoid hard foods: Stick to soft foods until you see your orthodontist.
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Maintain good oral care: Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Restoration Dentistry
In most cases, a broken bracket can be easily repaired by your orthodontist. They will remove the broken bracket and replace it with a new one. This is typically a quick and painless procedure.
In some cases, the broken bracket may cause damage to your tooth. If this happens, your orthodontist will need to perform restoration dentistry to repair the damage. This may involve placing a filling or crown on the tooth.
Prevention Tips
There are several things you can do to prevent your brackets from breaking:
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Avoid hard foods: This is the most important thing you can do to protect your brackets.
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Wear a mouthguard: If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.
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Maintain good oral care: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove plaque and bacteria.
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See your orthodontist regularly: Regular checkups will allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and identify any potential problems early on.
Conclusion
A broken bracket is a common issue that can be easily repaired. By following the tips above, you can help prevent your brackets from breaking and keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Remember, if your bracket does break, don't hesitate to call your orthodontist. They will be able to assess the situation and provide you with the best course of treatment.
About | Orthodontist Temecula CA Learn more about orthodontic practice in Temecula, CA, on our website. Info on Dr. Christopher Roncone, board certification, FAQ's & more! Roncone Orthodontics - Dr. Christopher Roncone, 32140 Temecula Pkwy, ste 201, Temecula, CA 92592 / (951) 595-8291 / ronconeortho.com / 7/22/2026 / Page Keywords: Orthodontist Temecula CA /
Having a broken bracket can be frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of orthodontic treatment. But don't worry, it's a common issue and there are steps you can take to handle it until you see your orthodontist.