What if a bracket or band comes loose?
Don’t panic or try to yank any piece off quickly. Broken or loose braces should be repaired by the orthodontist, but you can prevent the bracket from wiggling by using a bit of wax to cover it. You should carefully remove any loose bands, as they can cause buildups of saliva and germs. If the wire is poking into your cheek, you can ask your orthodontist to fix the problem and use a ball of wax on the tip of the wire to prevent it from poking until your appointment. If you accidentally swallow any part of your braces, don’t freak out – unless it prevents you from breathing normally, it’s not a major problem.