Braces and other orthodontic treatments are consistently successful. For most patients, treatment goes smoothly from beginning to end. In some cases, though, orthodontic emergencies arise that can cause stress, force you to visit your orthodontist at an inconvenient time, and increase the total cost of care. How can you avoid such a situation? Here are some practical tips to help you prevent orthodontic emergencies:
Be Careful about What You Eat
There are a number of foods that should be avoided while wearing braces. Such foods may get stuck in your braces, damage your brackets and wires, or cause other issues. Unfortunately, some of those foods, like popcorn and various candies, are amazingly delicious. Still, you should do all you can to find alternatives that can satisfy your cravings without endangering your treatment.
Wear a Mouthguard
Do you like to play sports? It would be smart to wear a mouthguard during practices and games, even if your activity of choice is traditionally considered to be non-contact. A mouthguard can prevent accidents from damaging both your braces and your oral tissues.
Keep in mind that while a regular mouthguard can provide a degree of protection, it would be better to wear a custom orthodontic mouthguard instead.
Care Well for Your Orthodontic Appliances
Your braces or clear aligners, as well as any accessories that accompany them, require a certain level of care if they are to function properly. Here are some best practices that you should follow:
- Carefully clean your teeth after each meal.
- If you have clear aligners, rinse them thoroughly before placing them in your mouth. You should also be careful when you are taking them in and out of your mouth so you do not accidentally break them.
- Use all orthodontic appliances, such as rubber bands, as directed by your orthodontist.
Attend All Your Appointments
You should visit your orthodontist as often as they recommend. Delaying appointments could extend your treatment timeline. Plus, your orthodontist uses your visits to check for any issues with your treatment that have the potential to lead to an emergency later on. If they notice that anything is not quite right, they can fix it ASAP.
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but they do happen from time to time. You can reduce your chances of encountering such a situation by applying the above tips.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and the team at Columbus Orthodontic Center proudly provide traditional braces, clear aligners, and numerous other treatments to our community. If you are facing an orthodontic emergency, or you would like further information on how to make your treatment a success, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our downtown office at 614-549-5835.
