Orthodontic treatment is a big step toward achieving a healthy, confident smile. While emergencies are rare, they can happen—and when they do, they often result in discomfort, inconvenience, and delays in your treatment plan.
The good news? With a few easy habits and precautions, you can significantly lower your risk of running into orthodontic trouble.
Be Careful With What You Eat
The number one cause of orthodontic emergencies is eating foods that can damage braces or other appliances. Hard, sticky, or crunchy items can bend wires, break brackets, or dislodge components entirely. To avoid this, steer clear of foods like:
- Chewing gum
- Hard candies
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Ice
- Raw carrots and apples (unless cut into small, manageable pieces)
A little mindfulness during mealtime can go a long way toward keeping your braces intact.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you play contact sports or engage in physical activities, wearing a mouthguard is essential. Accidental bumps or hits to the face can damage your braces or even injure your mouth. A well-fitted orthodontic mouthguard protects both your teeth and your appliances, helping you avoid a trip to the emergency chair.
Follow Cleaning Instructions Carefully
Proper oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Food particles that get stuck in brackets or wires can lead to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of gum irritation or infection. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on brushing, flossing, and using tools like interdental brushes or water flossers. Keeping your teeth and appliances clean will help prevent both dental and orthodontic complications.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packages, tear tags, or bite non-food items is always a bad idea—but it’s especially risky when you have braces. These actions can put pressure on the appliances and cause wires or brackets to come loose. Keep a pair of scissors handy and give your teeth a break.
Stay on Top of Orthodontic Visits
Regular appointments give your orthodontist a chance to make adjustments and check that everything is progressing as planned. They’ll also be able to catch minor issues—like loosening brackets or irritated soft tissue—before they turn into full-blown emergencies. Skipping visits or prolonging time between check-ins can delay your treatment and increase the chance of problems.
Know What’s Normal—and What’s Not
It’s normal to feel some pressure or discomfort after an adjustment, but sharp pain, poking wires, or broken appliances should be addressed quickly. Knowing the difference between typical soreness and something more serious can help you act fast when needed.
A little prevention now can save you a lot of hassle later.
About the Practice
At Amityville Orthodontics, patients of all ages receive expert care in a supportive and personalized setting. Dr. Justyna Balicka and our dynamic team specialize in creating healthy, beautiful smiles through a wide range of orthodontic treatments. Whether you’re just starting your journey or need guidance through a specific issue, we’re here for emergencies and routine visits alike.
Call us at (631) 201-8100 or request an appointment online.