Broken Brace — What To Do

A broken bracket, loose bond, or snapped wire is one of the most common orthodontic issues. In most cases it is not an emergency, but you should report it so your clinician can advise the best next steps.

Report My Broken Brace Online
Signs your brace may be broken or loose
A bracket is visibly hanging off the wire
You can feel a bracket moving or spinning when you touch it with your tongue
The archwire has snapped or is bent out of shape
A bonded retainer or lingual wire feels loose on the back of your teeth
You have swallowed something small (tell your clinician)
What to do immediately

If a bracket has come off but is still on the wire, leave it in place. Use orthodontic wax (available from most pharmacies) to cover any sharp edges that are rubbing your cheek or gum. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods until the brace has been repaired.

Is a broken brace an emergency?

In most cases, no. A broken bracket will not cause immediate harm. However, it can slow down your treatment progress if left unattended, so it's important to report it and get guidance from your clinician as soon as possible. If you are in significant pain or have swallowed a part of your brace, contact your clinic directly.

Can I fix a broken brace at home?

You should not attempt to reattach a bracket yourself. Orthodontic bonding requires clinical-grade materials and careful positioning. However, you can use wax to cushion a sharp edge, and carefully tuck a protruding wire end using a clean pencil eraser or cotton bud until you can be seen.

What happens after I report it online?

When you submit a support request through our online triage tool, a clinician reviews your photos and description — usually within 24 hours on working days. They will advise whether you need an urgent repair appointment, whether it can wait until your next scheduled visit, or whether there's a simple fix you can try at home.

Report your broken brace online

Upload a photo and describe what's happened. A clinician will review it and respond within 24 hours — no appointment needed.

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Common questions about broken braces

What should I do if I swallow a bracket?
Will my treatment be delayed if a bracket breaks?
How do I stop a broken bracket rubbing my cheek?
Can I eat normally with a broken bracket?

Want to see if can be treated?

A guided photo assessment can show whether your alignment looks like crowding, relapse after braces, or a bite pattern that orthodontic treatment could improve.

Takes about 5 minutes • No obligation

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