Common Reasons Your Peoria Braces are Falling off!

Most braces consist of brackets, which are bonded to the teeth, and adjustable arch wires that connect the brackets. It’s not uncommon for Peoria orthodontic patients to experience broken wires or loose brackets on their braces. If a bracket comes loose within the first few days of being put on there may have been a problem while the dentist was attaching it. If the dental material used to attach the brackets became contaminated with even a small amount of saliva during the process this can result in a bracket that falls off. Although your dentist will use all possible precautions against contamination, sometimes it’s unpreventable. A patient may be coughing or sneezing during the procedure, or a patient may simply produce a lot of saliva.

Tooth position can also play a part in loosening brackets. Sometimes the way a patient’s teeth come together can place undue pressure on brackets. In that case your Peoria dentist may choose to reposition the brackets.

That being said, by far the most common reason for brackets and arch wires coming loose or breaking is due to patients not following their Peoria dentist’s instructions. Obviously no one likes the food restrictions, such as no sticky foods like caramels and no hard foods like apples or nuts, but it’s a necessary evil.

The material used to bond brackets to your teeth can only withstand so much without weakening or breaking. After all, if brackets were attached more permanently how would you get them off when treatment is finished?

Other causes for braces coming off include personal habits such as chewing on fingernails, pencils, sport guards, or simply picking at the braces. Eating the foods you have been instructed to avoid or indulging in destructive habits can also result in loose or broken arch wires. When parts of your braces come off your teeth will not move like they are supposed to until they are repaired, and this can result in longer treatment time.
If a bracket or wire comes loose, call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have your Peoria braces fixed. If it is poking into your cheek or tongue, try covering it with the wax your dentist recommended. This will help relieve the discomfort until your appointment. Actual orthodontic emergencies are extremely rare, but your Peoria dentist should provide you with an emergency number just in case.

At Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead we understand that braces are a big investment of time and money, so we do our best to keep them in working order, which may shorten your treatment time. Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead offers convenient appointment times and payment plans. Call to schedule a free consultation.