Your complete guide to staying comfortable over Christmas and New Year – and how Orthodontix has you covered
The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings and indulgent food. But for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment, Christmas and New Year can also bring unexpected challenges. Between sticky desserts, crunchy snacks and festive activities, it’s not unusual for patients to experience a broken bracket, a loose wire or discomfort with their braces during this busy period.
The good news is that most bracket and wire issues are manageable at home until you can see your orthodontist, and even better – Orthodontix has you covered throughout Christmas and New Year, with online support, helpful advice and easy ways to reach our on-call team when you need reassurance.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly what to do if a bracket breaks, a wire starts poking, or your braces feel uncomfortable over the holidays. With the right steps and a calm approach, you can continue enjoying your holiday break while protecting your treatment progress.
Is a Broken Bracket or Wire an Emergency?
One of the first questions people ask is whether they need urgent orthodontic care if something goes wrong with their braces. In most cases, a broken bracket or loose wire is not a serious emergency and can wait until your orthodontist reopens after the public holidays.
However, it may require urgent attention if the problem is causing:
Persistent or sharp pain
Bleeding from the cheek, lips or gums
A wire that is protruding and cannot be tucked or covered
A bracket that is hanging by the wire and irritating soft tissue
Difficulty eating or closing your mouth comfortably
If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, Orthodontix has you covered over Christmas and New Year. You can contact us via the website chat bubble, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible with guidance about what to do next and get you in for an emergency appointment if required. (This service is only available to Orthodontix existing patients)
Most holiday-related brace issues are the result of festive foods – candy canes, crunchy biscuits, caramel, nuts and other seasonal treats can easily cause brackets to loosen. Fortunately, these situations are typically easy to stabilise at home until professional care is available.
Why Brackets Break During the Holidays
Understanding why brackets and wires become damaged during this time of year can help prevent further issues. The holiday season brings a perfect storm of circumstances that challenge braces:
Sticky sweets and desserts: Toffees, caramel, and fudge can latch onto brackets and pull them loose.
Hard foods: Nuts, pretzels, popcorn, candy canes and crunchy baked goods place direct pressure on brackets and wires.
More snacking: Frequent eating increases the chances of something hard or sticky causing damage.
Outdoor activities: Sports, games and holiday adventures can lead to accidental knocks to the mouth.
Cold weather sensitivity: For some patients, colder temperatures can make metal braces feel different or more noticeable.
Even with the best care, breakages happen. What matters is knowing exactly what to do when they occur – and thanks to Orthodontix support services, you have a trusted resource available even during Christmas closures.
Quick Fixes You Can Safely Do at Home
When a bracket breaks or a wire loosens, your first priority is comfort. These simple at-home solutions can help you stay pain-free and protect your braces until your next appointment. These are all Dentist- and Orthodontist-approved temporary measures designed to keep your treatment on track.
1. Orthodontic Wax – Your Essential Holiday Helper
Orthodontic wax is one of the most effective tools for managing bracket and wire discomfort. Roll a small amount between your fingers until it softens, then place it directly over:
A loose bracket
A poking wire
A rough or sharp edge
Irritated tissue that needs relief
This forms a smooth protective barrier that prevents cuts, rubbing and soreness.
If you don’t have wax on hand, reach out via our chat bubble and organise a pickup. Many pharmacies also remain open over the holidays, or you can check your braces starter kit if you’re an Orthodontix patient. Orthodontix also provides guidance on how to use wax properly, so you’re supported throughout Christmas and New Year.
2. Gently Tuck a Poking Wire
Wires that shift out of place can sometimes poke into the cheek or gums. If the wire is flexible and moves easily, you can gently tuck it back toward the tooth using:
A clean cotton swab
The eraser end of a pencil
Clean tweezers, only if the wire is long enough to hold comfortably
Never force a wire that doesn’t move with light pressure. Instead, cover the area with wax and leave it until your orthodontic appointment.
3. Avoid Hard, Sticky and Crunchy Foods
Until your bracket or wire is repaired, avoid anything that may worsen the break. This is especially important during the holidays when tempting treats are everywhere.
Skip foods such as:
Candy canes
Nuts and nut brittle
Caramel and toffee
Crunchy biscuits and gingerbread
Hard mints
Popcorn
Opt for softer options such as puddings, mashed vegetables, soft cheeses, yoghurt, custard, and holiday favourites like mince tarts (as long as they’re soft and you chew gently).
Orthodontix has you covered with easy, braces-safe holiday food tips to help you stay comfortable until the New Year.
4. Rinse With Warm Salt Water
If your cheek or gums feel irritated, a warm saltwater rinse can soothe the area and help keep it clean.
Mix:
1 cup of warm water
1 teaspoon of salt
Gently swish for 30 seconds and repeat several times a day as needed. This helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing if the bracket or wire has caused minor scratches or discomfort.
5. Use Over the Counter Pain Relief if Needed
If you’re feeling sore, mild over the counter pain relief can assist, especially if irritation has caused tenderness. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid medications you know you are sensitive to.
Remember: pain from a broken bracket usually comes from rubbing, not structural damage, and once the irritation settles, discomfort often improves quickly.
What Not to Do When a Bracket Breaks
When dealing with a damaged bracket or wire, avoid the following:
Don’t try to remove the bracket yourself.
Removing it can bend the wire and disrupt tooth movement.Don’t cut the wire unless instructed.
Cutting wires can cause more irritation or lead to swallowing the piece.Don’t glue or tape anything to the braces.
Household glues or adhesives are unsafe and can damage enamel.Don’t ignore ongoing pain.
If discomfort persists, contact Orthodontix via the chat bubble or call the practice for instructions — Orthodontix has you covered even during the Christmas and New Year break.
Why It’s Important to Follow Up With Your Orthodontist
Even though a broken bracket is rarely an emergency, it does require professional repair. Leaving it unresolved for too long may:
Slow down your orthodontic progress
Allow teeth to drift out of alignment
Make future adjustments more difficult
Cause unnecessary discomfort
As soon as the clinic reopens on January 6th after Christmas and New Year, schedule a repair appointment.
If multiple brackets have broken or your wire has come completely loose, mention this when booking so the team can allocate adequate appointment time.
How Orthodontix Supports You Through Christmas and New Year
We understand that orthodontic issues don’t pause for public holidays. That’s why Orthodontix has you covered throughout the Christmas and New Year period with:
1. A Chat Bubble for Quick Advice
You can message us online if you’re unsure whether something is urgent or need help managing a poking wire.
2. Guidance Pages and Resources
Our website includes step by step instructions, care tips and troubleshooting guides for braces emergencies.
3. Holiday Support Information
We provide clear details about reopening times and how to look after your braces while clinics are closed. Call the practice on 9451 3477 for instructions over the holiday period or leave a message.
4. Reliable Post Holiday Appointments
Once operations resume, we ensure patients with bracket or wire issues are booked in promptly so treatment stays on track.
With this support available any time, you never have to feel uncertain about what to do next.
Frequently Asked Holiday Braces Questions
Will my treatment be delayed if a bracket breaks on Christmas Day?
A small delay is unlikely if you stabilise the bracket using wax and schedule a repair once the clinic reopens. Major delays only occur if damage is left unfixed for weeks.
Can I keep eating normally with a broken bracket?
Avoid hard and sticky foods until your repair appointment. Soft, braces friendly foods are best.
What if multiple brackets break?
This can happen with very hard or sticky foods. Contact Orthodontix via the chat bubble or call 9451 3477 — our team will guide you on what to do next and ensure you’re booked in quickly after the holidays.
Should I still wear elastics?
If your wire is still intact and your orthodontist has not told you otherwise, continue wearing elastics as directed. If the bracket involved in elastic placement is broken, cover it with wax and contact us for advice.
Final Thoughts – Stay Comfortable and Enjoy the Season
A broken bracket or wire during the holidays can feel stressful, but with the right approach, it’s usually straightforward to manage. Orthodontic wax, warm salt water, gentle care and avoiding risky foods can make a significant difference to your comfort.
Most importantly, Orthodontix has you covered over Christmas and New Year, ensuring you have clear guidance, online support and follow up care ready once the clinic reopens.
Your smile is progressing beautifully, and a small holiday hiccup won’t derail your treatment. With calm steps and the reassurance of Orthodontix support, you can continue enjoying the festive season confidently and comfortably.
If you have any concerns or need advice, visit Orthodontix and reach out through our chat bubble. Our team is here to help you keep your smile on track throughout Christmas and well into the New Year.
