Braces Problem? What to Do
Poking wires, loose brackets, lost separators, and sores — what you can handle at home and when to call.
- Most braces problems are uncomfortable, not emergencies
- Orthodontic wax solves the majority of poking and rubbing
- Save any piece that comes off completely
- Call us and we will tell you how soon it needs attention
Poking wire
Press orthodontic wax over the irritating spot — dry it with a tissue first so the wax sticks. If the wire is significantly displaced or wax cannot make it comfortable, contact us.
Loose bracket
Do not fiddle with it. If it is still attached to the wire and not causing pain, call us for instructions and we will schedule the repair. Call sooner if it is irritating the mouth or getting in the way of eating.
Broken appliance
Do not attempt repairs at home. Save any piece that has completely detached and bring it with you. Contact us so we can decide how quickly it needs fixing.
Lost separator
Separators (spacers) sometimes fall out on their own. Call us — depending on where your child is in treatment, it may or may not need replacing.
Mouth sore
Minor irritation is common while the cheeks and lips adjust to braces. Wax over the offending bracket, gentle hygiene, and time usually handle it. Call if a sore is severe, worsening, unusual, or simply not improving.
Call us if…
Go to urgent medical care for difficulty breathing, a swallowed piece with any breathing symptoms, significant facial trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding.
- A wire or appliance you cannot make comfortable with wax
- A loose or broken bracket, band, or appliance
- A lost separator
- A sore that is severe, worsening, or not improving
Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics · (619) 562-5437 · coastalkidsdo.com/handouts/braces-problems
Sources & standards
This guidance is aligned with the standards of care of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: AAPD Oral Health Policies & Recommendations