What do you do if you have an orthodontic emergencyduring your treatment? At Manning Orthodontics, board-certified Dr. Kendra Pratt Manningand our team want you to be prepared. We work hard to make sure families in The Woodlands, Montgomery, and Magnoliaare prepared for any emergency orthodonticproblems. If you stick to the doctor’s instructions, most crises can be prevented before they even start. Here are five tried-and-true tips to help patients keep their braces, aligners, and appliances safe, clean, and functioning properly.
Watch What You Eat
Some foods just aren’t kind to metal brackets and wires. Sticky, crunchy, and chewy snacks can pop brackets off, bend wires, or wedge into hard-to-clean places. Even with newer, low-profile systems likeDamon self-ligating braces, an incorrect bite can cause problems. If you have aclear aligner(like Invisalign, Spark, or uLab), remember to remove it before you eat.
Foods to avoid:
- Gum, caramels, and sticky candies
- Hard chips, popcorn, nuts
- Ice, crusty bread, raw carrots
Braces-friendly foods:
- Yogurt, soft fruits, smoothies
- Cooked veggies, pasta, scrambled eggs
- Sandwiches on soft bread
Dr. Pratt Manningencourages you and your family to keep these lists in mind when you’re shopping or looking over your favorite menu. Some foods can contribute to unnecessary orthodontic emergencies. We don’t want that for you! Order soft foods when you’re at your favorite The Woodlands, Magnolia, or Montgomeryrestaurants.
Protect Your Smile During Sports & Play
Whether it’s football, volleyball, or skateboarding with friends, sports can lead to unexpected impacts during your treatment. That’s why Dr. Pratt Manningrecommends acustom mouthguardfor all athletes. It’s especially true if you have metal or clear braces.
Unlike store-bought versions, custom mouthguards from our The Woodlands, Montgomery, and Magnoliateam fit snugly over braces, providing extra protection for the lips, cheeks, and teeth.
They help prevent:
- Broken brackets
- Bent wires
- Cuts and swelling
- Tooth injuries
A Good Routine Prevents Orthodontic Emergencies
It may seem unrelated, but your gum line hygiene also helps nip emergencies in the bud. When plaque builds up around your brackets or along the gumline, it can weaken enamel and irritate your gums. That can lead to swelling, loose brackets, or even delayed treatment.
Dr. Pratt Manning‘s practice teaches you and your family how to brushand floss effectively with braces, clear aligners, or appliances such as theForsusorhabit appliance.
A few reminders:
- Brush gently after meals using a 45° angle
- Floss daily with a threader or water flosser
- Rinse aligners with cool water and brush them with mild soap (never toothpaste)
- Clean appliances regularly with a soft toothbrush
Patients in Montgomery,The Woodlands, and Magnoliaare encouraged to keep a travel toothbrush and flossers on hand—especially during school or sports season. Good hygiene prevents not just cavities, but unexpected orthodontic emergenciesto repair appliances damaged by poor care.
Don’t Skip Elastics, Adjustments, or Check-ins
Skipping rubber bands or missing appointments may not cause an orthodontic emergency today. But over time, a missed appointment now can lead to significant issues later.
For example, forgetting to wear elastics with your braces or aligners can lead to jaw pain. Or, as our Manning Orthodonticsteamhas seen dozens of times, your teeth are shifting out of alignment. Putting off check-ups could mean a loose wire goes unnoticed and starts poking your cheek. What happens if your aligner doesn’t fit and you miss an appointment? There’ll be a delay in Dr. Pratt Manninghaving a new one for you.
Manning Orthodonticsoffers flexible scheduling (including before and after-school appointments) and allows patients to text the office directly with questions. That’s one way Dr. Pratt Manninghelps keep treatment on track and minimize orthodontic emergenciesduring treatment.
Pro tip:Parents can set a daily phone reminder for elastics or aligner wear. Simple andeffective.
Speak Up If Something Feels Off
Sometimes, orthodontic emergenciesdon’t start with a bang. A slightly sore area, a rubbing bracket, or a misaligned tray might not seem urgent. But ignoring it can lead to huge problems.
Dr. Pratt Manningreminds all patients: if something feels wrong, it probably is. And it’s always better to reach out early than wait.
Common early warning signs include:
- Sharp or poking wires
- Irritation on the cheeks or tongue
- A bracket that feels loose or twisted
- Aligners not fitting like they used to
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
Manning Orthodonticsencourages families to call or text the office at the first sign of trouble. Most small fixes, like clipping a long wire or applying wax, can be handled quickly and easily. And if an emergency orthodonticvisit is needed, the team does its best to fit patients in the same day.
Final Thoughts: Keep Braces Safe, Smiles Steady
Braces and aligners are tough, but they need a little backup from Dr. Pratt Manninghere and there. About one-third of all orthodontists are board-certified. Because Dr. Pratt Manningis, you benefit from an extra layer of professionalism and attention to detail.
With the right habits and support from Manning Orthodontics, most orthodontic emergencies during treatment can be avoided entirely.
Quick recap of prevention tips:
- Eat smart to avoid damage
- Use a custom mouthguard for sports
- Keep up with cleaning—even at school or on the go
- Follow instructions and appointments
- Speak up when something feels off
Seeking personalized advice to ensure your treatment runs smoothly? Manning Orthodonticsoffers free consultations at both locations and proudly serves families from The Woodlands, Montgomery, and Magnolia. Go hereto schedule yours.