While orthodontic emergencies are rare, they do still happen. Whether you break a wire, lose an aligner, or develop a terrible toothache, orthodontic emergencies can cause a lot of stress and even knock your treatment off track! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can minimize your risk of encountering one of these alarming situations. Read on as we go over some of the most important tips for preventing an orthodontic emergency.
Watch What You Eat
Some foods can be dangerous for your smile during orthodontic treatment. For example, very hard foods can break a braces wire or loosen a bracket. Alternatively, eating anything while wearing clear aligners can potentially damage them! In both cases, sugary foods will dramatically increase your risk of developing cavities. Don’t eat with your aligners in, avoid hard foods with braces, and limit your intake of sugary snacks.
Keep Your Smile Healthy
Practicing great oral hygiene is always important, but it’s especially crucial when straightening your smile. Braces and clear aligners won’t protect you from cavities or gum disease, and if you develop these oral health issues, you may need to pause your orthodontic treatment to have them addressed. Make sure to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash regularly!
Stick To Your Treatment Plan
Your orthodontist will give you a detailed treatment plan that outlines how to take care of your braces or aligners on a daily basis. How well you adhere to these rules will not only determine the success of your treatment, but it will also influence your risk of experiencing an orthodontic emergency. Your treatment plan is designed to help your smile transformation go off without a hitch!
Attend Your Regular Checkups
If an issue is developing, it’s important to catch it before it has a chance to turn into an orthodontic emergency. That’s one of many reasons it’s important to attend your regular orthodontic checkups every several weeks. Not only will your orthodontist ensure that your treatment is on track, but they’ll be able to spot any warning signs of problems that you can’t see or feel yet.
Call Your Orthodontist If You’re Worried
You’re bound to experience some new sensations and symptoms in your smile as you begin your orthodontic treatment and your teeth shift into place. However, trust your instincts! If you’re ever worried about some part of your orthodontics or oral health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthodontist. They’ll either be able to give you guidance over the phone or schedule you for the soonest appointment so they can take a closer look at the problem.
There is no way to prevent 100% of orthodontic emergencies, but there are plenty of ways you can minimize your risk of experiencing one! Keep your smile safe and your treatment on track by remembering the above tips.
About the Practice
At Buchwald Orthodontics, we believe in providing high quality, personalized, and gentle orthodontic care for the families of Frisco and the surrounding communities. Our Board-Certified orthodontist uses the latest dental technology and orthodontic techniques to help our patients achieve the smiles of their dreams. We accept orthodontic emergencies, and are often able to provide same-day appointments, so don’t hesitate to reach us online or at (972) 377-5940.