Short Answer: If you accidentally swallow a bracket, most likely nothing will happen. Your stomach acids will dissolve the bracket and the rest will pass through your body.
A bracket is a small metal or ceramic piece that is attached to each tooth with a special glue as part of orthodontic treatment.
Brackets are used to hold the archwire that moves the teeth into the desired position.
If you accidentally swallow a bracket, most likely nothing will happen.
Your stomach acids will dissolve as much of the bracket as they can, and the rest will pass through your digestive system and out of your body.
This is because brackets are made of biocompatible materials that are not harmful to your body.
Brackets can be made of stainless steel, titanium, gold, ceramic, or plastic.
These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
They are also designed to minimize friction and irritation to the gums and cheeks.
It is quite uncommon to swallow a bracket due to the way they are attached to the teeth.
Brackets are bonded to the teeth with a strong adhesive that can withstand normal chewing and biting forces.
However, sometimes a bracket may come loose if you eat hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that are not recommended for braces.
You can prevent swallowing a loose bracket by spitting it out or removing it from your mouth as soon as you notice it.
If you do swallow a bracket, you should contact your orthodontist and schedule an appointment to have it replaced.
A missing bracket can affect your treatment progress and cause your teeth to shift out of alignment.
To avoid accidental swallowing of brackets, you should follow the instructions given by your orthodontist on how to care for your braces.
You should avoid eating foods that can damage your braces, such as nuts, popcorn, caramel, ice, and hard candy.
You should also brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep your braces clean and prevent plaque buildup.
Finally, remember, brackets are an important part of your orthodontic treatment.
They help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
If you have any questions or concerns about your brackets, you can always ask your orthodontist for advice.