Since orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, there’s a good chance that you’ll make it through your entire teeth-straightening journey without a broken bracket, loose wire, or soft tissue cut. That said, it’s always good to know exactly what you should and shouldn’t do to protect your teeth and braces from harm. With this in mind, keep reading for five helpful tips for preventing orthodontic emergencies!
Tip #1: Eat Smart
At the beginning of your orthodontic treatment, you’ll be provided with a list of foods you should avoid, including whole apples, tortilla chips, popcorn, raw nuts, and thin pizza crust. It’s important that you stick to these restrictions because crunchy and hard foods like these can cause a bracket or wire to come out of place, which warrants an immediate visit to your orthodontist’s office. Instead, opt for smile-friendly foods that are softer in consistency, including oatmeal, plain yogurt, and scrambled eggs.
Tip #2: Wear a Mouthguard
If you participate in sports or you enjoy physical activities like skateboarding, surfing, or lifting weights, you’ll be happy to hear that your orthodontic treatment won’t interfere. You do need to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces though. If you don’t, then there’s a chance that a bracket or wire will move out of position, negatively impacting your treatment timeline and your oral health in the process.
Tip #3: Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits
Over the years, you may have adopted an unhealthy habit or two, like biting your nails or chewing on ice cubes. Although these may seem harmless, they can damage your teeth and your braces, which is why it’s so important to make an effort to quit.
Tip #4: Prioritize Your Check-In Visits
Your periodic check-in visits with your orthodontist are crucial for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is that they need to look for any signs of damage. If they catch slightly loose brackets, a wire that’s out of position, and other issues like these in the early stages, then they can fix it on the spot, saving you from an emergency visit.
Tip #5: Commit to a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen
Simply put, if you make cleaning your teeth and your braces a priority, you’re much less likely to experience an orthodontic emergency. So, commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen if you haven’t already – it’s one of the best ways to keep your smile healthy and your orthodontic treatment on-track!
About the Practice
Our goal at Simply Orthodontics, Worcester is to make the teeth-straightening process as smooth, stress-free, and painless as possible. That’s why we go out of our way to be a resource for all things orthodontics. Plus, we offer same-day appointments if you do need us right away. If you have a question for us or you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our highly experienced and passionate orthodontists, then visit our website or call (508) 757-3173.