...
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
What if my brace breaks?

What if my brace breaks?

What to do if you damage your braces or lose an aligner

Short answer: Don’t panic. Minor problems with braces are more common than many people realise and can often be managed until we see you. The most important thing is to contact us so we can advise you on the next steps.

One of the biggest worries patients have during orthodontic treatment is:

“What happens if something goes wrong?”

Perhaps a bracket comes loose.

A wire starts to rub.

Or you accidentally lose one of your clear aligners.

The good news is that these situations are usually straightforward to deal with, and we’ll help you every step of the way.

First things first – don’t panic

Although it can feel worrying, most orthodontic issues aren’t emergencies.

Your teeth won’t suddenly move overnight, and in most cases there’s time to arrange the right solution.

The first step is simply to get in touch with us.

We’ll ask a few questions, explain what to do and let you know whether you need to be seen.

If a bracket becomes loose

Occasionally, a bracket may become detached from the tooth while still attached to the wire.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, including biting into hard foods or accidental knocks.

Avoid trying to remove or repair it yourself.

Instead, contact us and we’ll advise whether you need an appointment or whether it can safely wait until your next visit.

If a wire is rubbing

Sometimes the end of a wire may begin to irritate the inside of your cheek.

This can usually be managed temporarily with orthodontic relief wax until we can see you.

If the discomfort is significant, let us know so we can arrange to help.

If you lose a clear aligner

It happens more often than you might think.

If you’ve misplaced an aligner:

  • Contact us as soon as possible.
  • Keep any previous or next aligners safe.
  • Don’t guess which aligner to wear next without advice.

We’ll explain the best course of action based on where you are in your treatment.

If your aligner cracks

A small crack doesn’t always mean treatment has to stop.

However, continuing to wear a damaged aligner isn’t always the right option.

Contact us and we’ll advise whether it can still be worn or whether another solution is needed.

The Evolve perspective

One of the reasons we encourage patients to contact us rather than searching online is that every situation is slightly different.

The right advice depends on:

  • The type of brace you’re wearing.
  • How far through treatment you are.
  • What’s happened.
  • How comfortable you are.

A quick conversation often provides reassurance and helps avoid unnecessary worry.

Can I fix it myself?

Generally, no.

Although there are temporary measures that may make you more comfortable, trying to repair orthodontic appliances yourself can sometimes make the problem worse.

If you’re unsure, simply ask us.

We’re here to help.

Preventing problems

While not every issue can be avoided, you can reduce the chances of damage by:

  • Following dietary advice if you have fixed braces.
  • Wearing aligners as instructed.
  • Keeping your appliance clean.
  • Attending your review appointments.
  • Wearing a mouthguard for contact sports if recommended.

These simple habits help keep treatment progressing smoothly.

Myth vs reality

Myth

A broken bracket means your treatment has failed.

Reality

Minor breakages are usually easy to manage and rarely affect the overall outcome when dealt with promptly.

Myth

I should try to fix my braces myself.

Reality

It’s always better to ask your orthodontic team before attempting any repairs.

Myth

Losing an aligner means I have to start treatment again.

Reality

In most cases, there are straightforward solutions—we’ll guide you through the best option.

Questions patients often ask

Is a loose bracket an emergency?

Usually not, but it’s important to let us know so we can advise you.

What if my wire is poking my cheek?

Orthodontic relief wax often provides temporary comfort until we can see you.

I’ve lost an aligner. What should I do?

Contact us as soon as possible so we can advise the safest next step.

Will a broken brace delay my treatment?

Not necessarily. The sooner you let us know, the easier it usually is to keep treatment on track.

Key takeaways

  • Minor orthodontic problems are more common than many people think.
  • Don’t try to repair your braces yourself.
  • Contact us for advice as soon as something doesn’t seem right.
  • Most issues have straightforward solutions.
  • Prompt communication helps keep your treatment progressing smoothly.

Related Knowledge Pages

  • What happens during orthodontic treatment?
  • Eating with braces.
  • Cleaning your braces.
  • How long do braces take?
  • Why retainers matter.

Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces

Our comprehensive guide answers the questions patients ask most often before, during and after orthodontic treatment, helping you feel informed and confident throughout your journey.

Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces

Explore our complete guide to adult braces

If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.

Read our complete guide to adult braces.

Thinking about adult braces?

It’s natural to have questions about what happens if something goes wrong during orthodontic treatment.

At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we’ll explain what treatment involves, how to care for your braces and what support is available throughout your teeth-straightening journey.

⁠Explore adult braces at Evolve Dentistry

We’re only a phone call away

Orthodontic treatment isn’t about never having questions—it’s about knowing you have a team to support you if something unexpected happens.

If you’re ever unsure, we’d much rather you ask.

Read our CQC Report

back to blog

Get in touch

Tooth Whitening & Hygiene Appointment

At Home Whitening With Hygiene

£29.95

Learn more

Dental Health Plan

Options for all treatments

New Patients Welcome

We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today

Book An Introduction Call
We are on Instagram
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚

Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead

We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.

We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨

At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.

And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!

If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.

💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued

📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.

We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.

Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!

📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.

⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.

💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!

#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.

We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.

We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.

But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.

Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.

#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.

Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.

The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.

In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.

If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.

#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?

There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.

In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.

Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.

#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
Google rating
Seraphinite AcceleratorBannerText_Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.