Dental braces are remarkably durable, but they are far from invincible. Once in a while, things can happen that damage them. For example, you might eat the wrong type of food or have an accident while playing sports. How should you handle broken braces in Newington? This blog post discusses some practical steps you can take to manage the situation with as little discomfort and stress as possible.
Call Your Care Provider
The orthodontist or dentist who is providing your treatment wants your braces to be as comfortable and successful as possible. Do not hesitate to give them a call with any questions or concerns that pop up. For example, if you have a broken bracket or wire, contact your care provider’s office and tell them what happened. They will provide personalized tips on your next steps.
Depending on the severity of the problem, they might schedule you for an emergency orthodontic appointment within a day or two. When you see them, they will professionally carry out any necessary repairs to get your treatment back on track ASAP.
Tend to Your Mouth
Do not attempt to repair your braces on your own. You could accidentally worsen the damage. There is also the chance that you could harm your teeth or soft oral tissues. Instead, you should try to make yourself as comfortable as possible until you can see your care provider.
Here are a few tips to help you manage the situation:
- Bend any protruding wires so they are flat against your teeth. Use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to do so.
- Cover any uncomfortable pieces with orthodontic wax. All you have to do is roll the wax into a little ball before pressing it gently against your braces.
- Swish with warm saltwater to alleviate the pain of any sores that have occurred as a result of your broken braces. An antiseptic mouthwash may also be helpful.
- Avoid eating crunchy, hard, and chewy foods. Instead, eat mostly soft items, such as eggs, yogurt, and non-crusty breads.
- Take painkillers if necessary. Something like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may reduce any discomfort.
- Be gentle during your oral hygiene routine so you do not worsen the broken bracket or wire in Newington.
Avoid Future Incidents
During your appointment, your dentist or orthodontist might give you some friendly tips on how to avoid future damage to your braces. Although some incidents are inevitable accidents, most can be prevented with some easy precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard during sports and making wise food choices. Hopefully, the rest of your treatment will proceed without any more hiccups!
Meet the Practice
The team of dentists and specialists at Family Dental Practice of Newington includes a highly skilled orthodontist, who is able to offer traditional braces, clear aligners, and more. If you ever have questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment, our office would be pleased to help you out. Contact us at 860-856-6201 to learn more about us and the services we provide.