Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile, but it also comes with new responsibilities. Whether you or your child are wearing braces or clear aligners, keeping everything in good condition is key to staying on track with treatment. Orthodontic emergencies like broken brackets, loose wires, or mouth irritation can delay progress and cause unnecessary discomfort.
The good news? Most orthodontic emergencies are preventable. Here are 5 simple tips to help you avoid setbacks and keep your orthodontic treatment running smoothly.
1. Watch What You Eat
Diet plays a major role in keeping your braces or aligners safe. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or crack aligners. To protect your orthodontic appliances, avoid foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candy, ice, and chewy caramels.
Instead, opt for softer options such as cooked vegetables, pasta, and tender meats. If you have braces, cut harder foods like apples or carrots into small, bite-sized pieces before eating. Being mindful of what you eat will help you avoid unnecessary repairs and discomfort.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Proper brushing and flossing aren’t just about keeping your teeth clean — they also help prevent orthodontic problems. Food particles and plaque can build up around brackets and wires, leading to cavities, gum irritation, and even infections. These issues can complicate or prolong your orthodontic treatment.
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you wear braces, consider using an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around brackets and under wires. For aligner users, rinse and clean your trays regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and odor.
3. Wear Protective Gear During Sports
If you or your child plays sports, wearing a mouthguard is essential — even more so with braces. A custom or orthodontic mouthguard cushions your teeth and braces from sudden impacts, preventing injuries to your mouth and damage to your appliances.
Aligner users should remove their trays before playing and wear a mouthguard for protection. Accidents happen, but a little precaution can save you from painful emergencies and unexpected dental visits.
4. Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions Carefully
Every orthodontic treatment plan is unique, and following your orthodontist’s recommendations is key to avoiding problems. Attend all scheduled appointments so your orthodontist can monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and catch potential issues early.
If you’re using Invisalign or another clear aligner system, wear your trays for the prescribed number of hours each day and switch them out on schedule. Ignoring your orthodontist’s instructions can delay results or cause your teeth to shift improperly, leading to more complex issues later on.
5. Be Prepared for Minor Issues
Even with great care, minor orthodontic discomforts can occur, like a loose wire or mild irritation. Keeping a small orthodontic care kit at home can help you handle these temporary problems safely. Include orthodontic wax, clean tweezers, dental floss, and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
If something breaks or causes pain, contact your orthodontist before trying to fix it yourself. Many issues can be managed at home temporarily until your next visit.
Orthodontic emergencies can be stressful, but they’re often avoidable with the right care and habits. By watching what you eat, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing protective gear, and following your orthodontist’s instructions, you can keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka earned her dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry before completing a general residency and undergoing three years of an orthodontic residency program at St. Barnabas Hospital. Today, Dr. Balicka is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a rare distinction that honors a strong commitment to ongoing education. Are you or your child experiencing an orthodontic emergency? Don’t delay – schedule an appointment online or call our Huntington office at (631) 423-7857.