Orthodontic treatment can transform your smile, but it also comes with responsibilities. Whether you’re wearing traditional braces or clear aligners, following care instructions is crucial to avoid unexpected issues. While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, broken brackets, poking wires, or lost aligners can delay progress and cause discomfort. Most of these problems are preventable with a little extra care. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid orthodontic emergencies and keep your treatment on track.
Follow Food Guidelines
One of the most common causes of broken brackets and wires is eating the wrong foods. Hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy items can damage your braces or pull attachments loose. Avoid foods like:
- Popcorn.
- Hard candies.
- Nuts.
- Chewing gum.
- Caramel and taffy.
- Ice (chewing it).
Stick to softer foods, especially in the first few days after adjustments when your teeth may be sore.
Wear Your Appliances as Directed
If your orthodontist gives you rubber bands, retainers, or aligners, wear them exactly as instructed. Failing to do so can lead to poor progress, increased treatment time, or damage to your appliances. For clear aligners, be sure to wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Keep all appliances clean and stored properly when not in use.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Braces and aligners create more surfaces for plaque and food particles to stick. Poor hygiene can lead to swollen gums, tooth decay, or white spots on your teeth, all of which can slow treatment or require additional procedures. Brush after every meal using a soft toothbrush or electric brush. Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to clean around wires and brackets. Rinse with mouthwash to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Protect Your Smile During Sports
If you’re active in sports, especially contact sports like football, soccer, or basketball, always wear a mouthguard. Special orthodontic mouthguards are available that fit comfortably over braces or aligners and provide extra protection.
One hit to the mouth can break brackets, bend wires, or even injure your lips and cheeks, leading to an emergency trip to your orthodontist.
Attend Regular Appointments
Your scheduled orthodontic visits are important. They allow your provider to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and catch minor issues before they become major problems. Skipping or postponing appointments increases the risk of complications.
If something feels off – like a loose bracket or persistent pain – contact your orthodontist sooner rather than later.
Preventing orthodontic emergencies largely comes down to awareness and consistent care. By eating wisely, maintaining excellent hygiene, wearing your appliances properly, and protecting your teeth during activities, you can avoid most common problems and ensure a smoother, faster path to a beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing an orthodontic emergency? Let Struble Orthodontics be the practice that takes care of you. We can get you in quickly with a same-day appointment to see our team of highly experienced professionals focused on your comfort. We’re dedicated to providing you with high-quality, affordable dental care so you don’t have to worry about a financial burden. Schedule your appointment today online or call one of our conveniently located offices in the Remond and Bend areas.