Breaking a bracket on braces is relatively common but not necessarily easy because brackets are made to be quite strong and durable. They are bonded to the teeth with special glue designed to hold securely but still allow removal when necessary
How hard is it to break a bracket?
- Brackets are strong but not indestructible: The metal or ceramic brackets are made to withstand normal daily activities, but they can break or come loose if subjected to excessive force
- Common causes of breaking brackets:
- Eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods such as nuts, hard candies, caramel, taffy, raw carrots, or popcorn can apply enough pressure to break or loosen brackets
* Physical trauma, like getting hit in the face during sports or accidents, can break brackets or bend wires
* Habits like biting nails, chewing on pens, or grinding teeth can also weaken brackets over time
* Improper bonding during the orthodontic procedure or poor oral hygiene can contribute to bracket failure
- Frequency: On average, many patients break at least one bracket during their orthodontic treatment, making it a fairly common occurrence
How to avoid breaking brackets?
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can stress the braces
- Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect braces from impact injuries
- Don’t play with or pick at your brackets with fingers or objects
- Maintain good oral hygiene and follow orthodontist instructions carefully
What happens if a bracket breaks?
- Usually, breaking a bracket is not painful but can be uncomfortable or irritating, especially if the wire pokes the inside of the mouth
- It’s important to see your orthodontist promptly to repair or replace the broken bracket to keep your treatment on track
In summary, while brackets are designed to be strong and withstand normal use, they can break relatively easily if exposed to hard or sticky foods, physical trauma, or improper care. Breaking a bracket is common but avoidable with proper precautions and care
