They are common and should be expected when you forget you are wearing appliances and say chew on a rib while wearing braces. There are several scenarios that can damage and even cause total removal of part or the whole dental appliance. Braces are anchored to the molars and these anchors can become dislodged causing pain as they embed into the gums. If too loose, remove them and get to the dentist/orthodontist�s office as soon as possible. If a bracket was to come loose, visit the dentist to have it reattached. If the dental wire or arch-wire pokes out of the socket, schedule a visit with the dentist to have it clipped making sure there is no discomfort to prevent future pain. Injury within the mouth is quite dangerous for bacteria can enter the blood stream from mouth wounds and can cause serious infections.