Emergencies can pop up when you least expect them, especially when you have braces. These emergencies might include broken wires, loose brackets, lost retainers, or painful sores in your mouth. These issues can slow down your treatment and even harm your smile. But don’t worry! By staying aware and taking some simple steps, you can avoid most of these problems. Here are four helpful tips to keep your braces in good shape and make sure your treatment goes as planned.
Tip #1: Watch What You Eat
Many foods can cause problems when you have braces! Since most people wear braces for about two years, it’s important to avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, crunchy, or very hard. While it might be tough to give up favorites like popcorn and bubblegum, these foods can actually harm your braces. So, it’s best to skip them to keep your braces and your smile in good shape.
Tip #2: Manage Your Discomfort Accordingly
Feeling some discomfort when you have braces is completely normal, especially when your teeth are adjusting. You might feel this discomfort more right after you start treatment.
Luckily, you can often ease the pain by taking over-the-counter pain relievers or rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. But if the pain continues and doesn’t get better, it’s important to see your orthodontist as soon as possible to make sure everything is okay.
Tip #3: Practice Sports Safety
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to skip sports, but it does mean you should take extra care. Injuries to the mouth and jaw can happen when playing sports, so using a mouthguard is a smart idea. Mouthguards spread out the force of any hits across all your teeth, not just where the impact happens. This helps protect both your braces and your teeth, so you can play sports with more confidence.
Tip #4: Keep Your Mouth Clean
Keeping your teeth clean is super important, especially when you have braces. Braces can make it easier for food to get stuck, which can lead to problems like cavities if you’re not careful. So, brushing and flossing regularly is even more crucial when you have braces. This helps prevent tooth decay and other issues, reducing the chances of having orthodontic emergencies.
Orthodontic emergencies don’t happen often, but they can happen anytime, anywhere. Following these tips can help you avoid these unexpected issues and keep your treatment on track, so you get that perfect smile as planned!
About the Practice
The experienced team at Drabik Orthodontics serves patients and families in Webster, Rochester, and nearby areas with exceptional care. They provide various oral health services to keep your smile healthy and looking its best, including quick help for orthodontic emergencies. These treatments aim to keep your smile transformation on the right course. If you have an orthodontic emergency or you want to know more about what care options Drabik Orthodontics offers, you can visit their website to learn more or for their contact information for their Webster and Rochester offices.