Protecting Your Teeth And Braces From Chipping
Did you know that the enamel on your teeth is comprised of 96% minerals? That makes teeth stronger than the bones in your body. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience damage such as cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.
A forceful blow or wear & tear can cause chipping on a particular tooth. If you have a chipped tooth with or without braces, you need to have the chipped tooth cared for by a dentist. If your braces sustained damage from the cause of the chipped tooth, that would then be addressed by your orthodontist.
Chipping and cracking can occur for a variety of reasons, but some common causes include:
- Playing contact sports without a mouthguard
- Grinding your teeth when you are sleeping
- Eating hard substances, like ice or hard candy
- Falls or accidents
Unless it’s your front teeth that get chipped, it’s common for individuals not to notice the issue at all. Below are some signs you may experience indicating you have a chipped tooth.
- Irritation of your tongue, caused by it rubbing against the tooth’s uneven and rough edge
- Pain from the pressure on the tooth when biting, which can be intensified if the nerve of the tooth is exposed
- Irritation of the gum around the tooth
Can I Get Braces with a Chipped Tooth
The answer is yes; you can get braces with a chipped or damaged tooth. Orthodontists work closely with those practicing general dentistry to ensure that the overall health of your mouth and teeth is a priority. If the chipped tooth has been treated, there is no reason you cannot proceed with Invisalign or braces.
The overall health of your teeth is an important consideration when evaluating you for alignments such as braces or Invisalign. If you have a chipped or damaged tooth, your orthodontist may refer you to a dentist to repair the tooth before proceeding with braces. Make sure to let your orthodontist know if you have a previously chipped or damaged tooth, as they will want to take extra care in making sure the integrity of that tooth is maintained during treatment.
The goal of an orthodontist is to help you have a beautiful and healthy smile. People often wonder if corrective alignment is an option if they have chipped or damaged teeth, previous root canals, crowns, or fillings. The tools available for alignment correction have improved vastly. Your treatment provider can discuss the myriad of options you have to achieve the smile you deserve.
Chipped Tooth While Wearing Braces
Wearing braces will not increase your chances of chipping your tooth. However, if you play contact sports, grind your teeth at night, or have chipped teeth multiple times in the past, you will need to take proper precautions to ensure a blow to your mouth doesn’t damage your braces and require extensive orthodontic repairs.
Using a mouthguard during physical activities where there is the possibility for damage to the mouth is also crucial. There are also mouth guards and other treatments designed to reduce the grinding of your teeth during sleep. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist for recommendations about the best option for protecting your teeth and aligners from damage. In addition to wearing a mouth guard during sports, carry braces wax with you. The wax can help you avoid a dental emergency by covering wires or brackets that break until you can have
It is essential to make good food choices, avoid sugary foods, and use fluoride toothpaste to ensure your teeth and mouth’s overall health. If you are getting braces and worried about chipping a tooth, contact your preferred NYC orthodontist, Amazing Smiles, to discuss your options and decide on a treatment and preventative plan that will work for you!
CONTACT US
For a complimentary consultation with Amazing Smiles, check out our three locations throughout the New York metro: we are located at 100-25 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY – 2078 E 65th St., Brooklyn, NY – 545 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, New York.