Most Issues Are Preventable, But When They Happen…

Braces typically hold up well to normal daily activities such as eating and tooth-brushing. To keep your braces functioning well, we recommend avoiding hard foods, sticky candy, and ripping packages open with your teeth. There are other instances, too, when there may be an issue with the braces for which we ask that you call us so we can fix the problem. Read more to find out when to call us.

One of the most common issues our patients encounter is having a loose bracket. Eating hard foods like seeds or nuts can cause the bracket to become loose or even come off the tooth. It can be uncomfortable or even painful, but it is fixable.

We also frequently run into patients who have a broken wire. They may have eaten something hard or were chewing on a pencil and the wire became loose. When this occurs, the wire may poke into the cheek or other areas of the mouth and can be uncomfortable. When we see you, we will replace the wire and you’ll be good as new.

The rubber bands around the bracket can also become loose or pop off. This may cause the wire to come out of place, as well. Be sure to get bands back on as soon as possible so there is no further damage.

Most of these issues are preventable, though. Use a fork and knife to cut your food into smaller pieces when eating hard foods — this will put less strain on your braces. It may be difficult, but unconscious habits like nail biting or chewing on pencils should be avoided in order to keep your braces in good condition.

If you have any questions or concerns about you or your child’s braces, please feel free to contact our Southfield, MI office. We are happy to help!