There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, and pretty much everyone’s routines have been thoroughly shaken up. Thankfully, if you or your child is currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, not much needs to change in that regard, though it may be a while before a progress check. Because of this, taking proper care of an appliance at home is more important than ever (especially when it comes to avoiding an orthodontic emergency in Powell), so here are a few tips to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your treatment on track.
1. Watch What You Eat
Most dental and orthodontic offices are just seeing patients for emergencies right now, and many are only letting one patient into their building at a time to keep everyone safe. So, getting treatment for a broken bracket will likely be much more of a hassle than before. To help you prevent this type of problem, make sure anyone with braces DOES NOT eat the following items:
- Ice
- Jolly Ranchers and other hard candies
- Whole apples, pears, and carrots (should be cut into small pieces)
- Corn on the cob
- Instant popcorn (the popcorn itself is OK, but every bag will contain un-popped kernels that can be trouble)
It’s also wise to not chew on things like pens, pencils, and fingernails, as one errant bite can accidentally knock a bracket out of place.
2. Keep Brushing & Flossing
With most people working from home and school being out, “normal” is just a pleasant memory for some families. Because of this shakeup, oral hygiene routines can sometimes start to slide, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
In addition to frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds, it’s absolutely vital to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each and floss once. It may be a while before you or your child can see a dentist for a checkup and cleaning, so these practices will go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy. For those with braces, tools like Superfloss, floss threaders, or a Waterpik can help clean those hard to reach spaces between the brackets and wires.
3. Remember to Wear Elastics
This tip is nice and simple. If you or your child have been asked to wear an elastic band with braces to help align the bite, please keep wearing it! Even though the world may be on pause right now, your orthodontic treatment is still working to boost your smile, so be sure to do everything you can to keep your treatment moving forward.
4. Call if You Have a Concern
If you have a problem with an orthodontic appliance, whether someone is experiencing pain or a bracket has come loose, go ahead and call your orthodontist in Powell. They’ll help you handle the situation at home and let you know if you should come in for an appointment. At the office, they’ll take special precautions to ensure everyone stays safe while you get the care you need.
While you may be stuck at home right now, you’re not alone when it comes to you or your child’s orthodontic treatment! If you ever have any questions, feel free to call your orthodontist, and the team will be happy to put your mind at ease.
About Shirck Orthodontics
Shirck Orthodontics is a family-friendly practice in Powell that is ready to serve patients of all ages. Right now, we are only seeing emergency patients in our office, and we advise anyone experiencing an orthodontic issue to ALWAYS call ahead before coming to visit us. If necessary, we can schedule an in-person appointment to make any repairs or help someone feel comfortable. For questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call.