Don't Let a Braces Emergency Ruin Your Holiday Cheer
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, celebration, and relaxation. But if you or your child is wearing braces, a sudden orthodontic issue can quickly put a damper on the festivities. Whether it's a broken bracket from eating holiday treats or a poking wire that develops on Christmas morning, knowing how to handle a braces emergency can save you stress and discomfort during the busiest time of year.
At HLH Orthodontics in Sylvania, we understand that emergencies don't take holidays off. While our office may have limited hours during major holidays, we want to equip you with the knowledge and tools to manage common braces emergencies at home until you can see us. Here's what you need to know to keep your smile on track through the holiday season.
Broken or Loose Brackets
Holiday meals often feature foods that can damage braces. Sticky toffee, hard nuts, caramel apples, and crunchy candy canes are all potential culprits. If a bracket breaks or comes loose, don't panic. This is one of the most common braces emergencies and is usually fixable with a quick visit to your orthodontist.
What to do: If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. If it has completely come off, store it in a small container and bring it with you to your next appointment. Call HLH Orthodontics as soon as our office reopens to schedule a repair.
Protruding or Poking Wires
Sometimes a wire can shift out of place and poke into your cheek or gums. This can happen during normal tooth movement or after eating certain foods. While uncomfortable, this type of braces emergency can often be managed at home temporarily.
What to do: Try gently pushing the wire back into place using a clean pencil eraser or a cotton swab. If that doesn't work, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax. You can also carefully clip the wire with clean nail clippers if it's protruding far enough to cause injury. Contact us after the holiday to have the wire properly adjusted.
Lost Aligner
If you're using Invisalign and lose an aligner during holiday travel or festivities, it can feel like a major setback. While it's important to address the issue, it's not as urgent as other braces emergencies.
What to do: If you've lost your current aligner, go back to wearing your previous set until you can reach our office. If that's not possible and you're near the end of your current set, you may be able to move forward to the next aligner. Always contact HLH Orthodontics for guidance before making this decision on your own.
Mouth Sores or Irritation
The combination of holiday stress, changes in routine, and different foods can sometimes lead to mouth sores or increased irritation from braces.
What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to soothe irritation and promote healing. Apply orthodontic wax to any brackets or wires that are rubbing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. If sores persist or worsen, contact us for further advice.
Building Your Holiday Braces Emergency Kit
Before the holiday season kicks into full gear, assemble a small emergency kit you can keep at home or take with you when traveling. Include:
- Orthodontic wax
- A small mirror
- Dental floss and floss threaders
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small nail clippers (sanitized)
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- A small container for storing broken brackets
- Our office contact information
Having these supplies readily available can make managing a braces emergency much easier, especially when offices are closed.
Prevention Is the Best Strategy
The best way to avoid a holiday braces emergency is to be mindful of what you eat and how you care for your braces during this busy season. Stick to softer holiday treats, cut hard foods into smaller pieces, and avoid sticky or chewy candies. Don't forget to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine even when your schedule gets hectic. If you're traveling during the holidays, research orthodontic offices near your destination just in case you need urgent care while away from home.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Most braces emergencies can wait until the office reopens after the holiday. However, if you experience severe pain, significant bleeding, trauma to the mouth or face, or signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention at an urgent care facility or emergency room.
We're Here to Help
At HLH Orthodontics in Sylvania, we want your holidays to be as stress-free as possible. While we hope you won't experience a braces emergency this season, knowing how to handle one can give you peace of mind. If you do encounter an issue during the holidays, follow these guidelines and contact our office as soon as we're available. We'll get your treatment back on track quickly so you can focus on enjoying the season with family and friends.