Loose Braces Bracket: Causes, What To Do

One common problem that you might have to face after getting braces on your teeth is, the braces bracket becoming loose.

In this article, you’ll know why brackets can get loose and what to do about that.

Why does your braces bracket get loose?

Here are the causes of your braces bracket getting loose.

1. Trauma to the mouth or teeth

Your braces bracket can become loose due to an injury in the mouth or teeth. For instance, if you hit your mouth on a hard object, it could cause this problem.

2. Eating hard or sticky food

Eating hard foods can also lead to a loose braces bracket. This is because chewing on hard food put pressure on your teeth and your braces.

Moreover, sticky food gets stuck in the braces and wires that are difficult to remove.

Over time, deposited food debris and plaque around the braces and teeth make the brackets weak and loose.

So, it’s important to be careful while eating and avoid any hard or sticky food.

3. Improperly fitted braces

If your braces are not properly fitted, they can also become loose over time. This is because ill-fitting braces put unnecessary pressure on some teeth, which can make the brackets come loose.

4. Poor oral hygiene

If you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, it can also lead to a loose braces bracket. This is because plaque and tartar build-up makes the brackets weak over time.

So, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth properly. Also, visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and cleaning.

5. Not taking proper care of your braces

If you don’t take proper care of your braces, the brackets and wires can become loose.

Not cleaning your teeth and braces properly can lead to the accumulation of plaque and food debris around the braces. This can make the brackets weak and eventually lead to them coming off.

So, it’s important to take good care of your braces by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also avoid eating hard and sticky food.

6. Chewing on hard objects

Chewing on hard objects like pencils, pens, or your nails can put pressure on the braces and cause them to loosen.

7. Not following the orthodontist’s instructions

It’s important to follow the orthodontist’s instructions regarding eating and oral hygiene. If you don’t, it can lead to a loose braces bracket.

8. Brushing teeth too harshly

When you brush your teeth vigorously, it’ll not only put pressure on your teeth and braces but may damage the braces.

It can make them loose as well as they may fall off your teeth.

9. Poor quality braces

Another cause can be poor-quality braces. If the braces are not of good quality, they can get loose easily and even come off your teeth.

10. Brackets not glued properly

If the brackets are not glued properly, it can lead to them becoming loose over time.

Your brackets might not be glued properly if you got your braces done by an inexperienced orthodontist.

However, it won’t happen if you consult a good orthodontist.

It could also happen if the braces were put on in a hurry without taking proper care.

Sometimes, during attaching brackets on your teeth with braces glue, saliva may contaminate the teeth.

If this happens, brackets can get loose later after you come back to your home.

Check out why braces glue can come off.

11. Poor quality braces glue

If the glue used is of poor quality, it can also cause a loose bracket on braces.

The brackets are glued to the teeth with a special type of glue that is strong and durable.

However, if the quality of the glue is not good, it can lead to the brackets getting weak.

12. Teeth grinding

The braces may become loose due to pressure from teeth grinding, or bruxism.

What happens if a bracket comes loose?

If a bracket comes loose, it can cause the wire to poke your gum or cheek. It can also cut your cheek or gums. Moreover, the braces will become less effective.

It’s crucial to visit your orthodontist as quickly as possible for this reason.

Here are the things that might happen if a bracket comes loose.

1. Poking braces wire

When a bracket gets loose, the end of the wire can start poking your gum or cheek. This can be painful and cause irritation.

2. Decreased effectiveness of braces

It can also cause the braces to be less effective. This means that your teeth may not move into the correct position.

3. More time in braces

If a bracket becomes loose, you may have to wear braces for a longer period of time. This is because the braces will need to be adjusted.

4. Damaged braces

It can also damage the braces. This means that you may have to get new braces.

5. Irritation

If the loose bracket is rubbing against your cheek or gum, it can cause irritation.

6. Bracket coming off

Loosening of the bracket may cause it to fall off your tooth. If the bracket does come off, be sure to save it and bring it with you to your next orthodontist appointment.

7. Loss of a bracket

A loose bracket may suddenly come off your teeth and you may lose it.

If you lose a bracket, you should set an appointment with your orthodontist.

They will be able to replace the bracket and make sure that your treatment plan is still on track.

8. Swallowing a bracket

When the bracket is loose, there is a risk that you can swallow a bracket. So, it’s required to place it on teeth with dental wax or take it out of the tooth.

What to do if a bracket comes loose?

If the bracket is only slightly loose, then you can try to push it back into place with your fingers and put orthodontic wax to hold it in place. If it doesn’t stay or comes completely off, it’s important to consult with your orthodontist as soon as possible.

They will be able to put the bracket back on and make sure that your braces are effective.

In the meantime, you should save it and take it to your next appointment. You can also put some wax on the bracket to help keep it in place.

If you have any pain or discomfort, you should also see your orthodontist right away.

Now, let’s take a look at the things that you can do when a bracket comes loose:

1. Use wax to cover the sharp edges of the bracket.

2. Put the bracket back on yourself, but be careful not to tighten it too much.

3. Try to avoid eating sticky or hard foods.

4. Check to see if the wire is poking you.

5. If the wire is poking your gum or cheek, use a cotton swab to push it down or cover the end with a piece of wax. Putting wax on the loose wire will make it less irritating.

6. If the wire is really bothering you, you can clip it with nail clippers (be careful not to cut your gums!).

7. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water if it’s sore.

8. Brush and floss your teeth as usual. But, be gentle when you do it.

9. Make an appointment with your orthodontist as early as possible.

10. If the bracket is completely off, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you to your orthodontist appointment.

However, if you can’t find the bracket, don’t worry. Your orthodontist will be able to put a new one on.

How to fix loose brackets at home?

If a bracket is slightly loose, you can try to fix it at home by placing it on the place temporarily with orthodontic wax or something else. But, you can’t use glue to fix it like your orthodontist did because it needs an expert to do so.

So, you’ll need to fix it permanently or replace it with a new one by your orthodontist.

But, before you try to fix it, make sure you have the following things with you:

  • A clean, soft cloth
  • Orthodontic wax
  • A mirror
  • Tweezers
  • Nail clippers or scissors

Here are the steps for fixing a loose bracket at home.

1. First, look at the mirror and find the loose bracket braces.

2. Then, take a clean, soft cloth and wet it with warm water. Use this cloth to gently clean the bracket and the tooth.

3. After that, take a look at the broken bracket and see if the wire is still secured to it. Use the tweezers or your fingers to gently reposition the wire if it is still in place.

4. Next, take some orthodontic wax and roll it into a ball.

5. Then, place the wax over the bracket and press it gently into place.

6. Use tweezers to remove the excess wax.

7. Finally, if the wire is not attached to the bracket, you’ll need to cut it using a pair of scissors or nail clippers.

But, you may need to take the bracket off completely on your own if the bracket can’t be placed on teeth properly again,

And, if a bracket comes off, don’t worry. There are some ways you can fix it at home as well.

Know what to do if the bracket falls off.

How do orthodontists fix loose braces?

When you visit your orthodontist to fix the loose brackets, he/she can simply glue the bracket back in place. He/she may also decide to replace it with a new bracket.

  1. To attach the bracket, he/she will clean the tooth to remove the residual glue.
  2. Then, the adhesive is attached to the bracket and tooth.
  3. After that, the bracket is pressed into place and excess glue is removed.
  4. Then, he/she will use a special blue light to fix it on your tooth.
  5. Finally, the orthodontist will put the wire into the bracket slot properly.
  6. He/she will also check to see if the wire is still attached to the bracket.
  7. If not, he/she will reattach it or replace it with a new one.

How do you prevent loose brackets?

There are some things you can do to prevent your brackets from becoming loose:

1. Follow the orthodontist’s instructions on how to take care of your braces. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as avoiding hard and sticky foods.

2. Avoid playing with your brackets or rubbing them against hard surfaces.

3. Attend all of your orthodontic appointments so that your orthodontist can check to make sure everything is still in place.

4. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask your orthodontist.

Do you have to pay for a loose bracket?

You might not have to pay for a loose bracket if the orthodontist decides to simply re-attach it for you. However, if the bracket needs to be replaced, you may have to pay for it.

To avoid paying for a replacement, be sure to take care of your braces and always keep them clean!

How much does it cost to fix a loose bracket?

The cost to fix a loose bracket will depend on the orthodontist and the type of procedure that is required. Generally, the cost ranges from $50 to $100.

Can you eat with a loose bracket?

You can still eat with a loose bracket, but be sure to avoid hard and sticky foods that may pull the bracket off or cause further damage to your braces. Moreover, before eating with braces make sure you help the bracket stay in your tooth properly.

Should I worry about a loose bracket?

A loose bracket is not an emergency, but you should definitely see your orthodontist as quickly as possible because it’ll cause delays in treatment and might result in tooth movement in the wrong direction.

However, if you have a loose bracket that is causing you pain or discomfort and you can’t solve the issue on your own, you should contact your orthodontist right away.

Takeaways

The prime reason for loose braces is that the bracket is not properly adhered to your tooth. It can also be because of eating hard food, not taking care of braces, cleaning teeth carelessly, or an injury.

If you have a loose bracket, you should see your orthodontist as soon as possible. At the orthodontist, they will likely re-attach or replace the bracket and make sure that your braces are still functioning properly.

In the meantime, you should use orthodontic wax to hold on to your tooth.

However, if you take care of your braces correctly, you can prevent it from happening.