Posted on 2/16/2026 by Raleigh Family Orthodontics
Braces are an effective way to straighten your teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. However, just like any other dental appliance, they can occasionally break. While this may seem like a major setback, it's important to remember that it's a common occurrence and there's usually no need to panic.
What Causes Braces to Break?
Several factors can contribute to broken braces, including:
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Food: Chewing on hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can put excessive pressure on your braces, causing them to break.
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Sports: Contact sports can also put your braces at risk of damage.
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Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate oral care can lead to weakened teeth and brackets, making them more susceptible to breakage.
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Accidental trauma: Biting down on something unexpectedly or falling can also damage your braces.
What to Do if Your Braces Break
If your braces break, don't despair! Here's what you should do:
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Stay calm: It's important to stay calm and avoid further damage.
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Remove any sharp pieces: If there are any sharp pieces of metal or wire sticking out, carefully remove them with tweezers.
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Contact your orthodontist: Call your orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. They will assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
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Follow your orthodontist's instructions: Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on what to do until your appointment. This may include avoiding certain foods, using wax to cover sharp edges, or taking pain medication.
How to Prevent Braces from Breaking
While broken braces can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
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Follow your orthodontist's instructions: This includes avoiding certain foods, wearing your mouthguard during sports, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
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Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean.
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Be careful when eating: Avoid chewing on hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces and chew slowly.
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Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces from damage.
Restoration Dentistry and Broken Braces
In some cases, broken braces may require restoration dentistry procedures. This may involve repairing damaged teeth, replacing missing fillings, or rebuilding weakened tooth structure. Your orthodontist will work closely with you to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
Conclusion
While broken braces can be frustrating, they are usually not a major setback. By following your orthodontist's instructions and taking steps to prevent future damage, you can keep your braces in good condition and continue your journey to a beautiful smile. Remember, good oral hygiene and regular checkups are key to maintaining healthy teeth and braces.
About Us • Raleigh Family Ortho Learn more about Dr. Lee & Dr. Neill, their Raleigh dental practice, and some basic information about orthodontics. Call us today to schedule! Raleigh Family Orthodontics, 9201 Leesville Road STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 ~ (984) 254-0585 ~ raleighfamilyortho.com ~ 3/5/2026 ~ Related Terms: orthodontist RALEIGH NC ~
Braces are an effective way to straighten your teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. However, just like any other dental appliance, they can occasionally break. While this may seem like a major setback, it's important to remember that it's a common occurrence and there's usually no need to panic.