Orthodontic processes are consistently successful. For most patients, treatment proceeds smoothly from beginning to end. In some cases, though, emergencies arise that can cause discomfort, force you to visit your orthodontist when it isn’t convenient, and heighten the total cost of your care. What can you do to avoid such a situation? This simple guide will help you to reduce your risk of an orthodontic emergency.
Be Careful about What You Eat
There are several foods that you should avoid while wearing braces. Even though such items may be delicious, they run the risk of damaging your brackets and wires or getting stuck against your teeth. You should do your best to avoid:
- Popcorn
- Chewy and sticky candies
- Ice
- Pizza crust
- Anything else your orthodontic team advises you to steer clear of
Wear a Mouthguard
Do you play sports? You should make it your custom to wear a mouthguard whenever you are playing, even if your activity of choice is usually considered to be non-contact. A mouthguard will greatly reduce the risk that an accident will damage your mouth or your braces.
Also, keep in mind that while a regular mouthguard might provide a degree of protection, a custom orthodontic one is the more comfortable and more effective options.
Care Well for Your Orthodontic Appliances
Your braces or clear aligners, as well as any accessories that you use alongside them, require a certain level of care. Here are some basic best practices that you should adhere to:
- Clean your teeth after each meal by brushing and flossing.
- If you are using clear aligners, rinse them thoroughly before placing them in your mouth. You should also be gentle when you are taking them in and out of your mouth so you do not accidentally damage them.
- Use all of your orthodontic accessories, such as rubber bands, as recommended by your orthodontist.
Attend All Your Appointments
Strive to visit your orthodontist as often as they recommend. Delaying appointments will extend your total treatment time. Plus, it will deprive your orthodontist of the opportunity to check for any issues with your braces that might develop into an emergency later on.
Orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, but they can happen. Use the above tips to reduce the chances that you will have to deal with such a situation.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Amin Mason, Polaris Orthodontic Center offers a full range of orthodontic treatments to members of the Columbus community. If you have questions about how to care for your braces, or you have an urgent problem that requires care, we are ready to serve you. Contact our office at 614-781-6990.
