Top Reasons Brackets Break (and How to Avoid It)
Braces are built to handle a lot — but they’re not indestructible. Every once in a while, a bracket might come loose or pop off, and while it’s not unusual, it’s definitely something you want to avoid if possible. Broken brackets can slow down your treatment and cause some unnecessary discomfort.
Here’s what typically causes brackets to break (and how to keep your smile on track).
1. Eating Hard or Sticky Foods
This is the most common reason brackets break. Foods like popcorn, caramel, toffee, hard pretzels, and even crunchy chips can easily bend wires or pop off a bracket. Sticky foods tug on braces, and hard foods can break them outright.
How to avoid it: Stick with braces-friendly foods that are soft and easy to chew — things like pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and steamed veggies. If you’re craving something crunchy, try cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces and chew carefully.
2. Chewing on Hard Objects
Many people don’t even realize they have this habit until braces go on. Chewing on ice, pens, fingernails, or bottle caps can easily damage brackets and wires.
How to avoid it: Be mindful of these habits — they often happen without thinking. Try keeping sugar-free gum (if approved by your orthodontist) or a fidget toy nearby to keep your mouth or hands busy instead.
3. Playing with Your Braces
It’s tempting to run your tongue or fingers over your braces — especially when they’re new — but that constant pressure can loosen the glue or bend a wire.
How to avoid it: It might sound simple, but the best solution is to remind yourself to keep your hands and tongue off your braces. Once you get used to how they feel, the urge to “check” them goes away.
4. Brushing Too Aggressively
Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush can wear away at the adhesive that holds your brackets in place.
How to avoid it: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to clean around each bracket. You don’t need to scrub hard — consistency and good technique are what keep your teeth and braces clean.
5. Sports or Accidents
If you’re playing contact sports without a mouthguard, one hit to the face can cause broken brackets or wires.
How to avoid it: Always wear an orthodontic mouthguard — it’s designed to fit comfortably over your braces and protect both your smile and your investment.
What to Do If a Bracket Breaks
Don’t panic! A broken bracket isn’t an emergency, but it’s important to let your orthodontist know as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, we’ll either fix it right away or schedule a quick visit to get things back in place. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots and keep your mouth comfortable.
Have an ortho emergency? Get help!
The Bottom Line
Broken brackets happen, but with a little care and awareness, you can avoid most of them. By following food guidelines, brushing gently, and protecting your braces during activities, you’ll keep your treatment on track and your smile shining bright.