When you wear braces or aligners, or have a retainer, there is always the risk that an accident or injury could lead to damaged or broken orthodontics. When this happens, seeing your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist is crucial, as this can help protect smiles from serious complications. In today’s blog, we discuss how to respond to these scenarios.
Don’t Ignore Broken or Damaged Orthodontics
When braces become damaged, this could potentially lead to injury and discomfort. In addition, compromised orthodontics may not continue to straighten your teeth as intended. Don’t let a minor issue lead to problems with your treatment plan, slowing your progress. Always let us know so we can offer repairs and ensure your smile continues on its way to a healthier and more attractive state. Let us know if you encounter a loose or broken wire, a loose or missing band, damaged headgear, or a cracked or broken aligner.
Easing Your Discomfort
When the problem occurs, you can often take steps to address discomfort until you can see us. For a loose wire, use a pencil eraser to gently push it down and away from your cheek and gums. You can also coat them in wax to prevent injury. If a band or bracket falls out, put it in a container and bring it with you. If it is still attached to the wire, use wax to keep it in place until you can see us. Bring your damaged aligner with you as well. An over-the-counter pain reliever can address any discomfort you’ve experienced.
Emergency Care
We will schedule a visit at your earliest convenience and then repair the issue. We can also discuss changes to your daily routine to try and prevent these injuries. For example, when out of your mouth, always place your aligners in a case to soak and clean them, but to also protect them from damage. Avoid hard foods, such as ice, or chewing on objects such as pens or pencils, to help prevent damage to metal braces. If you play sports, be sure you wear a mouthguard and take precautions to prevent injuries. If you have any questions about safeguarding your metal braces or aligners, then contact our team today. We want to make sure you enjoy our treatment and obtain optimal results in the timeframe you originally discussed with our team!
Do You Have Questions About Orthodontic Emergency Care?
When issues arise with your orthodontics or aligners, always let us know as soon as possible. To schedule your consultation and learn more about our emergency services, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Haslet, Azle, and all surrounding communities.
