Care and Emergencies
How can I speed up treatment?
Do you know that certain foods can delay when you can get your braces off? To prevent broken or loose appliances, avoid these foods in your diet:
Hard Foods
- Apples
- Carrots
- Corn on the cob
- Extra crunchy snacks, like Fritos and Doritos
- Ice
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Touch breaks, rolls, and bagels
Sticky Foods
- Caramels
- Gum
- Gummy Bears
- Sour Patch Kids
- Jellybeans
- Starbursts
- Taffy
- Tootsie Rolls
To protect your teeth from cavities or sensitivity, brush after meals and snacks. We also recommend swishing fluoride mouthwash (example brand: ACT) for 30 seconds after you brush.
Do we need to schedule sooner than my next appointment?
We recommend seeing you sooner for the following events or symptoms:
- Your bracket or wire is detached (out of your mouth).
- Your retainer is broken or lost.
- You have signs of infection: puffy gums, persistent bad breath, canker sores.
- You are in extreme discomfort or pain.
- You recently had trauma to the mouth.
For other types of loose or missing appliances, it is typically safe to wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Uncertain? Give us a call!
How do I receive support for my broken, missing, or uncomfortable appliance?
Call or text 513-385-2161.
Contact our office as soon as you notice a part or appliance is missing, broken, loose, or not feeling right.
When you share your update, please answer the following questions:
- From the wearer’s perspective, describe where your appliance is broken or loose in your mouth? Examples: lower left back teeth, upper right front baby tooth, bottom retainer.
- Describe what activity you were doing when it broke? Examples: ate apple slices, played the saxophone, discovered your dog chewed on it.
- How long has your appliance been broken or loose?
- Are you in discomfort or pain?
