Orthodontic Blog & Patient Resources

What to Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks

5 min read

Orthodontic emergencies can happen—especially with active kids or crunchy snacks. At Tooth by Tooth in Cary, NC, we want you to feel confident handling a broken bracket or wire until we can see you.

Here’s what to do:

  • Stay Calm and Check the Damage: Look in the mirror to see what’s out of place. If a bracket is loose but still attached to the wire, leave it alone and avoid touching it. 
  • Use Orthodontic Wax: If a wire is poking your cheek or gums, cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. Wax is your best friend until we can fix it. 
  • Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself: Avoid bending wires or removing brackets—this can cause more harm than good. 
  • Call Tooth by Tooth Right Away: We’ll fit you in for a quick repair at our Cary, NC office. The sooner we address it, the better we can keep your treatment on track. 

Accidents happen—but with a little care and a call to Dr. Patel, you’ll be smiling again in no time!

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