Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies happen without warning. If you have an emergency occur that you cannot fix on your own, call our office ASAP to see when we can fit you in. If you already have an appointment scheduled, please call us ahead of time to let us know you have an emergency need, so we can make sure we have plenty of time to help you and fix your appliances.
Avoiding Orthodontic Emergencies
Eating the Right Foods
After you get your braces, remember stay away from tough, chewy, and overly crunchy foods. These foods can damage your appliances, costing you more money and maybe even lengthening treatment.
Keeping Teeth Clean
Remember to brush and floss regularly when you have braces! This is one of the only ways to ensure that the teeth and gums will be healthy after your orthodontic treatment is complete. Try to brush at least three times per day, and take your time! Rinse nightly with a fluoride rinse. These rinses help strengthen your teeth while you’re wearing braces. We also recommend regular and frequent visits to the dentist. Continue to visit your dentist at least once every six months, or more frequently under certain circumstances.
Take Care of Your Appliances
If you damage your appliances, try to fix them immediately if you can. Visit our emergency information page here. If you don’t fix your appliances, you risk lengthening your treatment time. Be sure to wear all of the appliances we recommend, including rubber bands, retainers, and headgear. Your teeth will not move into the correct positions without them!
Playing Sports with Braces
Are you active in sports? Don’t worry! You can still play throughout your orthodontic treatment. We recommend that you wear a mouthguard to keep your teeth and your braces safe during all practices and games. Let us know if you play a sport and we can find the best mouthguard for you!
