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You’re putting in the work when it comes to your orthodontic treatment: a strict oral hygiene routine, keeping your appointments, and enduring the discomfort of adjustments. You don’t deserve a dental emergency to complicate things! Don’t worry; these 4 tips below will help you learn how to prevent such a crisis and keep your treatment on track!
Tip #1: Watch What You Eat
If you wear traditional braces, certain foods can damage brackets and wires. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can potentially loosen brackets or bend wires.
Avoid foods such as hard candies, chewing gum, ice, popcorn kernels, and very tough foods. Cut harder foods such as apples, carrots, and other raw vegetables into smaller pieces before eating them.
If you’re wearing clear aligners, remember to remove them before eating. Drinking anything besides water while wearing your aligners can also increase the risk of staining and exposing your teeth to sugars or acids.
Tip #2: If You’re an Athlete, Wear a Mouthguard
A blow to the mouth can damage braces, orthodontic appliances, and teeth. If you participate in contact sports or activities where facial injuries are possible, wear an orthodontic-friendly mouthguard.
Ask your orthodontist which type of mouthguard is appropriate for your specific treatment. A properly designed mouthguard can help protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances during physical activity.
Tip #3: Keep Non-Food Items Out of Your Mouth
It’s understandable. Teenage students are a key demographic for orthodontic treatment, and students have been known to get fidgety and turn to chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, or other objects.
Again, understandable, but not a good idea. Chewing non-food items can put unnecessary pressure on brackets and wires and damage teeth. Keeping these objects away from your mouth is a simple way to reduce the risk of an orthodontic problem.
Tip #4: Mind Your Retainer and Aligners
The safest place for your retainer or clear aligner is in your mouth, but when you must take them out, be careful of how you keep up with them.
Avoid putting them in your bag where they could easily be broken or stuffing them into a napkin while you eat; that scenario often winds up with you looking through the trash! Your pockets are also not an ideal location.
The hard, plastic case that your orthodontist provides is your best option for storing your appliance while you have it out. Place your aligner or retainer back in your mouth as soon as you’ve eaten and cleaned your teeth to prevent losing track of them.
Orthodontic emergencies aren’t always avoidable, but good habits can significantly reduce your risk. By eating carefully, protecting your mouth, maintaining good hygiene, and storing your oral devices wisely, you can help keep your treatment comfortable and on schedule.
About the Author
Dr. Saba Asrar’s impressive resume includes nearly 20 years practicing orthodontics and graduating at the top of her class in dental school. She is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a certified Invisalign provider. If you’ve suffered an orthodontic emergency, please call Dr. Asrar’s Round Rock office immediately so her team can schedule you as soon as possible and offer first aid guidance over the phone. The number is (512) 828-7900 or you may contact us online.
