Sewing a button back onto braces takes five minutes and costs nothing

A button falls off braces when the thread holding it wears through or the button itself cracks. You can sew it back on with a needle, thread, and the button that came loose — or replace it with a new one if the old button is damaged. The job requires no special tools and works the same way whether you are reattaching the original button or installing a replacement.

The button sits on top of the bracket (the metal piece glued to your tooth) and holds the wire in place. If a button comes off, the wire can slip out of the bracket slot, which stops the braces from working and may scratch your mouth. Sewing it back takes longer to describe than to do.

Key Takeaways

  • Thread a needle with about 18 inches of thread, tie a knot at the end, and push the needle up through one of the button holes from underneath the bracket.
  • Cross the thread over the top of the button and push the needle down through the opposite hole, then repeat this crisscross pattern four to six times until the button is snug.
  • Wrap the thread around the shank (the thread bundle under the button) two or three times, then push the needle to the back and tie off with a knot.
  • If the button is cracked or missing pieces, order a replacement button pack online or ask your orthodontist for spares at your next appointment.
  • A loose button will not damage your braces, but a missing one can let the wire slip and slow your treatment.

What you need before you start

Gather a needle, thread, and the button. Use any needle you have — a regular sewing needle works fine. Thread color does not matter because it sits behind the button where nobody sees it. If you do not have thread at home, a single strand pulled from an old shirt or a piece of dental floss works in a pinch.

If the button itself is cracked, chipped, or missing pieces, you will need a replacement. Orthodontist offices usually have spare buttons on hand and will give you one or two at no cost. You can also order button packs online — search for "orthodontic buttons" and you will find packs of 10 to 50 for a few dollars. Keep a spare in your bathroom drawer so you do not have to hunt for one when a button falls off.

Threading the needle and positioning the button

Cut or pull off about 18 inches of thread. Thread it through the needle eye and pull until the thread is even on both sides, then tie a knot at one end. You now have a doubled thread with a knot at the bottom.

Hold the bracket steady with one hand. Push the needle up through one of the two holes in the button from underneath — the side closest to the bracket. Pull the thread until the knot catches under the bracket and stops the needle from sliding through. The button should now sit flat on top of the bracket with the thread coming up through one hole.

Sewing the button down with a crisscross pattern

Push the needle down through the opposite hole in the button, crossing over the top. Pull the thread snug but not so tight that you bend the button. Now push the needle back up through the first hole again, crossing over the top in the opposite direction. You are making an X pattern on top of the button.

Repeat this crisscross four to six times. Each pass should go down through one hole and up through the other, always crossing over the top of the button. After four passes you will have eight thread lines crossing the button. Stop when the button feels snug and does not wiggle when you move it side to side.

Finishing the knot underneath

Push the needle to the back of the bracket one last time. Wrap the thread around the bundle of thread sitting under the button (called the shank) two or three times. This wrapping keeps the button from sliding side to side on the bracket.

Push the needle through the wrapped thread to create a loop, then push it through the loop again to tie a knot. Pull the thread tight and trim the excess with scissors or by breaking it off. The knot should sit on the back side of the bracket where it cannot be seen or felt in your mouth.

When to replace the button instead of resewing it

If the button is cracked, has a piece missing, or the holes are enlarged and torn, sewing it back will not hold. A damaged button will come loose again within a few days. Order a replacement pack or ask your orthodontist for a spare at your next visit.

Replacement buttons are identical to the ones on your braces and cost a few cents each. They come in the same colors as your bracket ties — clear, white, or tooth-colored — so the replacement will match. Sewing on a new button follows the exact same steps as resewing an old one.

What to do if the bracket itself is damaged

If the button came off because the bracket cracked or the glue failed, sewing the button back will not solve the problem. The bracket itself needs to be replaced by your orthodontist. Call the office and describe what happened — they can usually fit you in for a quick repair without charging an extra fee.

Do not try to glue the bracket back on yourself. Orthodontist-grade adhesive is different from household glue and bonds the bracket to your tooth in a way that holds up to chewing and wire pressure. A bracket glued at home will fail again and may damage your tooth enamel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sewing thread or does it have to be special?

Regular sewing thread works fine. Orthodontists use the same thread you would use to sew a button on a shirt. Color does not matter because the thread sits behind the button. Dental floss also works if you do not have thread at home.

What if I tie the knot too tight and the button cracks?

Pull the thread snug enough that the button does not wiggle, but not so tight that you see the button bend or hear it creak. If you do crack it, the button will need to be replaced. Order a new one online or ask your orthodontist for a spare.

How long does a sewn button usually stay on?

A button sewn correctly should stay on for several months. It will eventually come loose again as the thread wears from the wire moving in the bracket. When it does, you sew it back on the same way. This is normal and happens to everyone with braces.

Do I need to see my orthodontist if a button falls off?

No. A loose or missing button does not damage your braces or teeth. The wire may slip slightly out of the bracket slot, which slows treatment a little, but it is not an emergency. Sew it back on at home or ask your orthodontist for a replacement at your next scheduled visit.

What if the button holes are too big and the thread keeps slipping through?

The holes may be enlarged from the button coming off repeatedly. Replace the button instead of resewing it. A new button has tight holes and will hold the thread securely. If multiple buttons are coming loose, mention it to your orthodontist — they can check whether the brackets are seated correctly.