Your summer smile questions, answered!

Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun! Now that you have braces, it’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. Pope, Dr. Maoloni and our team wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do? What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?

Put the tooth in milk or distilled water (not tap water) and call your dentist immediately. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted the better. If our office is closed, you can page Dr. Pope or Dr. Maoloni to see what you need to do.

Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?

Certainly. Orthodontic Associates will work with your general dentist to achieve the best result, whether that includes composite bonding, crowns, or dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth? What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?

In moderation thay are okay, but it is best to rinse out or brush to remove any residual sugar on the teeth. Unless your are working out for a long time in very hot weather, you probably don’t need a sports drink. Water is the best way to hydrate yourself.

If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?

It is still recommended to wear a mouth guard with Invisalign. Just ask us for a mouth guard.

Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?

It is best to remove your retainer for sports.

Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

Definitely! Just ask us for one of our specially designed mouth guards that is made specifically for patients in braces.