Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Most people enjoy a smooth treatment experience from start to finish, but occasionally, orthodontic emergencies pop up. For example, some people lose a bracket, end up with a loose arch wire, or accidentally damage their teeth. What can you do to prevent such situations? This blog post contains a few helpful tips that can reduce your risk.
Mind Your Diet
Braces are strong and durable, but they are not indestructible. That is why you should be careful to make wise food choices during your treatment period. If you eat the wrong foods, you could easily damage your teeth, your brackets, or your wires. Here are some examples of items that you should avoid:
- Popcorn
- Chewy and sticky foods, including many types of candies
- Chips and hard crackers
- Hard foods, such as raw carrots
If you are ever unsure of whether a particular food is safe for braces, the safest choice to is skip that food.
Protect Yourself from Accidents
Sports are great for your overall health, but they do come with a risk of injury. If you accidentally hit your mouth, you could end up with oral injuries and broken braces. To reduce the risk of that happening, be sure to wear a mouthguard whenever you are participating in sports with a risk of facial contact. An orthodontic mouthguard would be best because they are designed specifically for use with braces.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Failure to keep your mouth and braces clean could lead to dental problems that require the complete removal of your braces. To reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease, be sure to brush at three times a day (after each meal) and floss once per day. Floss threaders and interdental brushes are helpful tools to get familiar with.
You should also be sure to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Remember, routine orthodontic check-ins are not a substitute for regular preventive care!
Comply with Treatment Instructions
Your orthodontist will give you instructions that are specific to your unique case. For example, you might be required to wear certain accessories. It is always in your best interest to comply with directions from your dental team. They want your treatment to succeed, and they want to help you avoid emergency situations along the way.
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but that does not mean you should take your treatment’s success for granted! Use the above-listed tips to prevent unpleasant and painful situations.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ben Youel is an expert orthodontist who is proud to provide a range of services for children and adults in the Grayslake area. If you are thinking about getting braces or simply have questions about how to care for your orthodontic appliances, he and our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our practice at 847-548-4330.
