Metal Mouth Message Board

Just had my lower braces (metal damon) almost 2 weeks ago and today one of the brackets came off. I called the doctor's office but they told me the doctor is out of the country and will only be available early Setember which is during my next appoinment! Thats like in 6-7 weeks time! Its not hurting but its really annoying since its sliding all over the place. The nurse told me that i could come in and she can take the bracket out of the wire but she is not capable of gluing it back on. I'd have to wait for my ortho for that.

The thing im worried about is shouldnt this delay the whole thing? Will it affect just that particular tooth or the whole bottom arch? Should I just go see some other ortho to get the bracket glued back on?

Normally this is something that would be taken care of right away, but there is simply nothing to be done if your orthodontist is out of town. I would go in to have the bracket taken off the wire. Since you are only in the beginning stages of treatment, I don't think this will extend your overall time line by much if anything. As for what effect not having a bracket on that tooth will have, well---I honestly don't know. Keep an eye on things. You can always have the assistant take the wire out completely. At that point nothing will be happening with your teeth, but at least nothing negative will be happening either. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to call around and try to find another ortho who will glue the bracket back on, but I'm not sure you will have any takers.

^I popped a bracket off at work when brushing a month ago, and within 2 hours I was at the ortho getting it glued back on...I can't believe they don't have an ortho on call to cover for the one on vacation!

I've broken two brackets and between ortho being out of town and working on specific teeth, they are waiting about 2 and a half months before replacing both of them (brackets were bottom teeth, either side).

I guess it depends on your actual treatment as to how imperative it is. Where I live, if an ortho goes out of town - there ain't no replacement within a 3 hour drive, if any.

I wouldn't worry about it, but if it's bugging you I'd get them to take it off.

Thanks guys for the replies. I just got back from the doctor's office and had the bracket taken out by the ortho's assistant, but looks like i have to wait till early sept to get them glued back on. TumDry, you are right..i dont think any other ortho will take want to take this in. And im not willing to pay some other ortho just to glue the bracket back on. Anyway, the assistant told me it would not affect much by just having one single bracket out. Hope she's right!

This happens to one of my lower teeth almost every month, just happened 4 days ago. I had it stuck back on within 2 days as i cant stand the sliding, it's so annoying. In your case I would be very upset having to wait so long. What would happen in a real emergency and the ortho was again out of town. I would enquire about this and he should have a back up service should emergencies happen. Good luck