What Happens if You Swallow a Bracket or Wire?

Orthodontic Safety and Preparedness

Experiencing orthodontic treatment complications, such as swallowing orthodontic brackets, can be concerning. At Tringas Orthodontics, we are proud to be a locally owned and operated orthodontic practice with deep roots in our community. As leading specialists in Windermere and Lake Nona, which also serves the St Cloud area with orthodontic excellence, we are committed to serving our patients’ orthodontic needs, helping them achieve their life goals through outstanding service, all within a warm, friendly, and caring environment. Educating our patients on issues such as teeth crowding, flared teeth, teeth protrusion, and maintaining a normal bite is at the heart of our practice, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared.

Minimizing Risks

The risk of swallowing an orthodontic bracket, though rare, exists. To minimize this risk, our orthodontists advise against consuming hard foods like nuts that could loosen brackets. Improper dental hygiene practices, such as incorrect brushing or misuse of dental floss and toothpicks, can also lead to a bracket being swallowed. Awareness and preparedness are essential for patient safety, despite the low probability of such occurrences.

Immediate Steps and Medical Attention

If a bracket is accidentally swallowed, it’s important to stay calm. Typically, the bracket, made of ceramic and titanium, will pass through the body naturally. These materials are resistant to stomach acid and will not dissolve; however, they will be expelled through natural processes. Inducing vomiting is not advised, as it could cause harm if the metal or sharp object injures an organ on its way out.

Should you experience difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or abdominal pain, immediate medical attention is necessary. These symptoms may indicate that the bracket has lodged in a sensitive area, like the lung. A doctor’s visit for an X-ray can determine the situation and whether the bracket needs removal. Generally, there is a high probability that the bracket will naturally exit the body within a few days. Consuming high-fiber foods can aid in its smooth passage.

Continuing Your Orthodontic Journey

Tringas Orthodontics is equipped to quickly address incidents of swallowed brackets to keep your orthodontic treatment on track and prevent your teeth from moving out of alignment. Our aim is to resume treatment as swiftly as possible to ensure minor setbacks do not affect your path to a perfect smile.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’re considering braces for your child or have questions about orthodontic treatment, Tringas Orthodontics offers free consultations. Our experienced team is ready to address your concerns and guide you through the treatment process. With locations in Windermere and Lake Nona, serving the St Cloud area with orthodontic excellence, we are positioned to serve a broad community. Contact us at 407-876-2991 for a transformative orthodontic journey with leading specialists committed to excellence in community service. Visit our Lake Nona office at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832, or our Windermere office at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786, and experience the difference in our patient-centered approach.