Should an appliance survive this?

face2face

My 7 year old got braces yesterday evening, a double block device. Today he dropped the bottom after lunch while putting back in, a little drop onto a soft surface and it snapped in two!:eek: Surely it should have survived? Have no experience with this, he is our eldest. Heading back to ortho tomorrow, but I'm guessing that this device was faulty? Any experiences with the fragility or otherwise of these devices? I wouldn't expect them to hold up to too much rough handling but surely braces for young children should be able to withstand the occasional accident. Thanks.

davo10

Ortho appliances are usually made from acrylic, they can fracture when dropped and are not designed to withstand this type of force. Strengthening them to withstand dropping force would make them too thick and uncomfortable. Unfortunately its correct use and care is the patient's responcibility, the orthodontist will be charged by the lab for it's repair/replacement so you can expect to pay a fee.

ballsymchugh

the majority of dentures are made from the same acrylic, and you'd be surprised at the amount of people who break them while cleaning them over the bathroom sink. i've had to tell people to fill the sink with water first for years now. as for the patient who broke their dentures cos he was shouting at the dog....

face2face

Thanks for replies. Saw orthodontist today, she said appliance was faulty..... it really was a tiny drop. At least he will be really careful with them now, would hate to have to dock his pocket money for the next 5 years:D.