Braces are built to last, but sometimes snacks, sports, or sheer surprise can knock a bracket out of place. If that happens, Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics in Windermere and Orlando have your back with calm, clear steps to keep things on track. A broken bracket might not be a big deal, but knowing what to do in the moment can save you a lot of guesswork. Let’s start by figuring out what you’re actually dealing with and how to spot the problem.
First Things First, What’s Actually Broken?
Not every orthodontic mishap is an emergency, but it helps to know what you’re looking at. A loose bracket may still be attached to the wire, but it is more than likely sliding around. A completely detached bracket might be floating freely or hanging by a thread (well, technically an archwire). If a wire has popped out, that’s also part of the bracket drama.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the usual suspects:
- Loose bracket: Still attached but wobbly or sliding along the wire
- Detached bracket: No longer connected and possibly uncomfortable against your cheek
- Poking wire: The end of the wire may jab or irritate soft tissue
- Broken ligature: The tiny band that holds the wire in place has snapped
If you’re unsure what’s going on, a quick photo and call to MyFamily Orthodontics can help clarify. Next, let’s look at how you can stay comfortable until your appointment.
How To Stay Comfortable Until Your Appointment
Once you’ve identified what’s wrong, it’s time to keep things calm and manageable until you can be seen. Fortunately, Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics have a few easy at-home moves that can hold you over without stress.
Try these quick fixes:
- Orthodontic wax: Roll a small piece into a ball and place it over any poking wires or loose brackets.
- Tweezers: Gently reposition a wayward wire if it’s out of place.
- Nail clippers (as a last resort): If the wire is really bothering you and there’s no getting in soon, carefully clip the end and cover with wax.
- Saltwater rinse: Soothe irritated spots by rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day.
And remember, this is a temporary fix, not a substitute for expert care. Up next: when it’s time to call MyFamily Orthodontics for backup.
When To Call the Office
Not every bracket issue needs an immediate visit, but some do. Here’s how to tell:
Call Right Away If:
- A wire is poking painfully and can’t be tucked in
- A bracket has come off and is dangling or at risk of swallowing
- There’s bleeding or swelling that doesn’t ease up
- You’re in pain that doesn’t calm down with wax or saltwater
MyFamily Orthodontics is here to help, and the sooner you call, the faster Dr. Johnson can get things back on track.
You Can Wait If:
- The bracket is loose but still attached and not causing trouble
- A wire has slipped slightly but isn’t poking or shifting much
- Your next appointment is within a few days, and you’re not uncomfortable
Still unsure? Call anyway. The team would always rather hear from you than have a small issue turn into something bigger. Next, let’s go over how to keep these issues from happening again.
Skip the Second Round of Broken Brackets
Once you’ve dealt with a broken bracket, the next goal is to keep it from happening again. While accidents can’t always be avoided, a few tweaks to your routine can make a big difference.
Start with food choices. Sticky, chewy, and crunchy snacks are repeat offenders. Swapping caramel for chocolate pudding or trading popcorn for soft crackers might seem small, but it saves you the trouble of extra visits. Dr. Lauris Johnson also recommends using your back teeth to chew and cutting foods like apples or sandwiches into bite-sized pieces.
Don’t forget about protective gear. If you or your child plays sports, even casually, a braces-friendly mouthguard is a game-changer. MyFamily Orthodontics can point you in the right direction and even help with custom-fit options.
A little extra care goes a long way, especially when your goal is fewer interruptions. Up next, let’s look at why trusting an orthodontist with that care makes all the difference.
Why It Pays To Stick With a Specialist
When brackets come loose or aligners aren’t tracking properly, a trained orthodontist can spot the deeper reason and fix it faster.
While general dentists may offer clear aligners or dabble in orthodontics, they don’t have the years of focused training that someone like Dr. Lauris Johnson brings to the table. At MyFamily Orthodontics, your treatment isn’t based on generic templates. It’s built on:
In-depth understanding of facial growth and bite mechanics
Dr. Johnson considers how your teeth fit within your face and jaw, not just how straight they appear in photos.
Ongoing, personalized adjustments
From teens growing into their features to adults with complex bite shifts, your plan adapts to you.
Experience with a wide range of tools
Whether you’re in Spark aligners, Invisalign, clear, or metal braces, Dr. Johnson knows how to course-correct when things go off track.
Next, let’s see how MyFamily Orthodontics creates an experience that keeps families coming back to Windermere and Orlando.
The MyFamily Orthodontics Experience
You’ll feel the difference the moment you walk in, whether you’re visiting the Windermere location near Lakeside Village or the Orlando office on Glass House Lane. From the friendly team to the thoughtfully designed spaces, comfort and convenience are part of the package.
Patients appreciate:
- Two convenient locations with flexible hours and easy parking
- Family-focused care that keeps kids, teens, and parents comfortable
- A range of treatments, including metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and Spark aligners
- A welcoming vibe that feels like a visit with friends
When brackets break or questions pop up, you can trust Dr. Lauris Johnson and her team to keep things simple, supportive, and always centered on you.
Bracket Busted? No Biggie!
When a bracket goes rogue, MyFamily Orthodontics has your back. Dr. Lauris Johnson and her team are pros at turning orthodontic oopsies into quick fixes, keeping your treatment steady without hitting pause. With locations in Windermere and Orlando, and a crew that feels more like family, getting help is as easy as picking up the phone. So if your braces hit a bump, don’t stress. Just swing by or schedule your free consultation and let the smile pros handle it!