Tips for Preventing Injuries During Ortho Treatment
Wearing braces or clear aligners is an investment in your smile, but orthodontic treatment also comes with added responsibility. Protecting your teeth and appliances from injury is essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to a straighter smile. Here are some key ways to safeguard your teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
If you participate in contact sports or activities with a risk of impact, a custom-fitted mouthguard is necessary. Braces can cause added trauma to your lips, cheeks, and gums if you experience a blow to the mouth. A well-fitted mouthguard helps absorb shock and prevents injuries to your teeth and soft tissues. Even if you wear clear aligners, remove them before playing and wear a mouthguard for protection.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Orthodontic appliances are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Biting into hard foods like ice, nuts, or popcorn kernels can cause brackets to break or wires to bend. Sticky treats like caramel and chewing gum can get caught in your braces, pulling on the brackets or damaging aligners. Stick to softer, braces-friendly foods to prevent unnecessary emergencies.
Be Mindful of Oral Habits
Chewing on pens, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages can stress your orthodontic appliances unnecessarily. These habits increase the risk of brackets coming loose or clear aligners cracking. Break these habits to keep your treatment on track.
Maintain Regular Check-Ups
Routine visits to your orthodontist ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. If you experience discomfort, a loose bracket, or a broken wire, schedule an appointment promptly to prevent further complications.
Protect Your Smile Every Step of the Way
Taking these precautions can help you avoid setbacks and discomfort during orthodontic treatment. Need guidance on keeping your smile safe? Contact Empire Orthodontics today for expert advice and care.
