As a parent, you know that accidents happen, and life comes at you fast. However, when your child’s braces break it can go from calm to panic in an instant! It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but knowing how to handle the situation calmly and effectively can make a difference. So, stop for a moment, breathe, and read on. You’ll learn just what to do when your tyke’s braces go snap!
1. Damage Control
First, you’ll need to ensure everyone stays calm while you check the damage. If you give off stressful energy, your child will pick up on it, so take a moment to calm yourself before diving in. Look for any loose or broken wires, brackets, or bands. If any pieces have come loose from their teeth, it’s best to call your child’s orthodontist before trying to touch or move them.
2. Attempt Temporary Solutions
Once you have confirmation from your child’s orthodontist, you can try some small temporary fixes for comfort. Here are a few ways braces can break and how you can ease discomfort until your child can get back to their orthodontist:
- If a wire is poking out, use a clean cotton swab or a small piece of orthodontic wax to gently push it back into place or cover the sharp end.
- If a bracket becomes loose and can be easily retrieved, you can place it in a small container. Otherwise, you can use orthodontic wax to temporarily hold it in place until repairs can be made.
- Loose spacers are very common. These are small rubber rings between your child’s teeth to make room for bands to fit comfortably. If a spacer falls out, there’s no need to worry. It’s made to be temporary.
- Finally, if a band (metal ring that wraps around a tooth) comes off, don’t try to put it back into place. There’s a chance it can come loose and be swallowed. Instead, place it in a small container or sandwich bag and bring it with you to your child’s appointment.
Breaking your braces can be stressful, but by staying collected and being informed, you can effectively manage this dental dilemma! So, be watchful, and call your child’s orthodontist whenever anything unexpected comes up. This will ensure that your child’s treatment stays on track, and you earn fewer gray hairs from the ordeal!
About the Practice
When you need help with your child’s braces, don’t panic! Come to La Prada Family Dentistry. Our team of dental experts can help put everything right again. They pride themselves on their comfortable and friendly environment where your child can get the care they need with the latest dental technology. Call (214) 227-6577 to schedule a braces consultation or visit the website to learn more about the treatments and services they provide.
