Whether it is a broken bracket, something stuck in your braces, or irritation to your oral tissues, an orthodontic emergency can be very uncomfortable! Such a situation might even slow down your progress toward a straighter, healthier smile. The good news is that in most cases, orthodontic emergencies can be prevented through the application of some simple tips. Here are some practical pointers to help you protect your smile and your treatment:
Make Wise Food Choices
When you first got braces, your orthodontic care team likely provided you with a list of suggestions on what you should and should not eat. It is important for you to adhere to those guidelines because failing to do so greatly increases the risk of damage to your orthodontic appliances.
For example, sticky and hard foods can get stuck in your braces and possibly even cause a bracket or wire to loosen. Very chewy foods can also pose a risk. Try to stick to a diet of foods that are relatively soft and easy to chew.
Protect Your Mouth and Your Gear
If you play sports, a mishap could easily harm your oral tissues and your braces. To lower the risk of damage, invest in a custom mouthguard that is designed for use with your orthodontic gear.
If you have a removable orthodontic appliance, like a retainer or clear aligners, you may need to remove it during sports and wear a regular mouthguard instead. Be sure to store your gear securely whenever you are not using it.
Maintain Thorough Oral Hygiene
Failure to keep up with oral hygiene recommendations could cause issues like bad breath, stains on your braces/aligners, and more. You might even end up with cavities or gum disease, issues that could force your orthodontist to pause your treatment until your oral health has been restored.
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. If you have braces, you may need to use a floss threader or a water flosser to thoroughly clean around the brackets and wires.
Talk About Your Questions and Concerns
Communication with your orthodontic care team can do much to prevent emergencies. For example, you should be sure to let them know if you notice a loose wire, are experiencing irritation on your oral tissues, or have questions about how to care for your teeth during treatment. This proactive approach is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth orthodontic journey from beginning to end!
Most orthodontic emergencies are preventable! Use the tips in this blog post to spare yourself from the discomfort and inconvenience of a mishap with your treatment.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Nathan Larson is a board-certified orthodontist with a love of technology and a passion for helping patients enjoy smooth and low-stress treatment. He and our team can often welcome emergency orthodontic cases on short notice. If you have any concerns or questions about how you can prevent or manage such situations, contact our Gilbert, AZ, office at 480-813-8890.