[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1177},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield":3,"blog-related-\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield":305},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"cover":291,"coverAlt":292,"coverOrientation":293,"date":294,"description":295,"extension":296,"meta":297,"navigation":298,"path":299,"seo":300,"stem":301,"tags":302,"__hash__":304},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield.md","Braces emergency: what to do about broken wires and brackets",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":276},"minimark",[9,13,16,21,24,47,50,54,57,72,75,79,82,102,111,115,118,122,142,146,154,158,161,185,189,192,212,220,224,232,236,239,256,259,263],[10,11,12],"p",{},"Most braces emergencies are not emergencies in the medical sense. A poking\nwire, a loose bracket, or a lost rubber band is uncomfortable and worth a\nphone call, but it is almost never dangerous. The right response is to make\nyourself comfortable at home, protect your mouth with orthodontic wax, and\ncall your orthodontist's office so the repair can be scheduled. The true\nemergencies are rare, and they usually involve an injury to the face or mouth.",[10,14,15],{},"This guide covers the common problems, what you can safely do about each\none, and when it is time to call the office or go to an emergency room. It is\ngeneral information for patients and parents in the Bakersfield area, not a\nsubstitute for an exam.",[17,18,20],"h2",{"id":19},"what-counts-as-a-braces-emergency","What counts as a braces emergency?",[10,22,23],{},"Orthodontists tend to sort problems into three groups.",[25,26,27,35,41],"ul",{},[28,29,30,34],"li",{},[31,32,33],"strong",{},"Urgent but not an emergency."," Pain you cannot manage, or a wire that is\ncutting your cheek or tongue and will not stay covered. Call the office the\nsame day.",[28,36,37,40],{},[31,38,39],{},"Needs a repair visit."," A loose bracket, a broken wire, a loose band, or\na lost separator. Not painful enough to rush, but it should not wait for\nyour next routine appointment if it is stopping your teeth from moving.",[28,42,43,46],{},[31,44,45],{},"A true emergency."," A blow to the face, a knocked-out or cracked tooth,\nheavy bleeding that does not stop, facial swelling, or trouble breathing or\nswallowing. These go to an emergency room or urgent care, not to the\northodontist's schedule.",[10,48,49],{},"Everything below falls in the first two groups.",[17,51,53],{"id":52},"what-do-i-do-about-a-poking-wire","What do I do about a poking wire?",[10,55,56],{},"The archwire is the thin metal wire that runs through the brackets on your\nteeth. As teeth shift, the end of the wire can slide and poke into your cheek\nor gums.",[58,59,60,63,66,69],"ol",{},[28,61,62],{},"Wash your hands, then use a clean pencil eraser or a cotton swab to gently\npush the wire flat against the tooth.",[28,64,65],{},"If it will not move, roll a small piece of orthodontic wax into a ball and\npress it over the sharp end. Wax is the one item every braces patient\nshould keep in a backpack, glovebox, and bathroom drawer.",[28,67,68],{},"Rinse with warm salt water (about a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm\nwater) if your cheek is irritated.",[28,70,71],{},"Call the office so the wire can be trimmed or replaced.",[10,73,74],{},"Please do not cut the wire yourself. A snipped piece can be swallowed or\ninhaled, and a rough cut can leave a worse edge than the one you started\nwith.",[17,76,78],{"id":77},"what-if-a-bracket-comes-loose-or-breaks","What if a bracket comes loose or breaks?",[10,80,81],{},"A bracket is the small attachment bonded to each tooth. Brackets come off from\na hard bite on something crunchy, a ball to the mouth, or just ordinary wear.",[25,83,84,90,96],{},[28,85,86,89],{},[31,87,88],{},"Still attached to the wire?"," Leave it in place. If it is spinning or\nsliding, you can gently move it back toward the center of the tooth and use\nwax to hold it comfortably.",[28,91,92,95],{},[31,93,94],{},"Fully off?"," Keep it if you can find it, and bring it to your visit. If\nan edge is rubbing, cover it with wax.",[28,97,98,101],{},[31,99,100],{},"Do not use household glue."," It is not safe for your mouth and can make\nthe repair harder.",[10,103,104,105,110],{},"A loose bracket matters for a reason beyond comfort: a tooth with no bracket\nis not being guided, so the wire cannot move it. Repairing it promptly keeps\ntreatment on track. Our guide to\n",[106,107,109],"a",{"href":108},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-long-do-braces-take-bakersfield","how long braces take"," explains why\nbroken pieces and missed visits can add time.",[17,112,114],{"id":113},"what-about-a-broken-or-loose-wire","What about a broken or loose wire?",[10,116,117],{},"Sometimes a wire slips out of the bracket on the last tooth, or a section\ncomes loose when a hard food catches it. Use the same approach as a poking\nwire: gently reposition it if you can, cover any sharp end with wax, and call\nthe office. If the wire is shifted but not hurting you, you can usually wait\nfor the next available repair visit.",[17,119,121],{"id":120},"what-if-a-band-separator-or-rubber-band-is-lost","What if a band, separator, or rubber band is lost?",[25,123,124,130,136],{},[28,125,126,129],{},[31,127,128],{},"Loose molar band."," A band is a metal ring that fits around a back tooth.\nIf one comes loose, do not try to remove it unless it is about to fall out.\nCall the office.",[28,131,132,135],{},[31,133,134],{},"Lost separator."," Separators are the tiny rubber spacers placed between\nteeth before bands go on. If one falls out, mention it when you call.",[28,137,138,141],{},[31,139,140],{},"Lost elastics."," Elastics are the small rubber bands that apply extra\nforce between the upper and lower teeth. Skipping them for a day or two is\nnot harmful, but if you run out or lose your supply, ask the office for more\nrather than going without for long.",[17,143,145],{"id":144},"how-do-i-handle-mouth-sores-and-irritated-cheeks","How do I handle mouth sores and irritated cheeks?",[10,147,148,149,153],{},"Sore spots are the most common complaint, especially in the early weeks. Wax\nover the offending bracket, warm salt-water rinses, and soft foods usually\nsettle things down. Our ",[106,150,152],{"href":151},"\u002Fblog\u002Ffirst-week-with-braces-bakersfield","first week with braces","\npost covers soreness and what to eat in more detail. Call the office if a sore\nis not improving after a week or keeps getting worse.",[17,155,157],{"id":156},"what-if-i-have-invisalign-or-a-retainer-instead","What if I have Invisalign or a retainer instead?",[10,159,160],{},"Clear aligners and retainers have their own versions of an emergency:",[25,162,163,174],{},[28,164,165,168,169,173],{},[31,166,167],{},"Cracked or lost aligner."," Call the office before skipping ahead to the\nnext set. Moving forward with an aligner that has not finished its job can\nset treatment back. Our ",[106,170,172],{"href":171},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Finvisalign","Invisalign page"," explains\nhow the trays work.",[28,175,176,179,180,184],{},[31,177,178],{},"Lost or broken retainer."," Teeth begin to drift when a retainer is left\nout, so call sooner rather than later. See\n",[106,181,183],{"href":182},"\u002Fblog\u002Fretainers-after-braces-bakersfield","retainers after braces"," for why\nthat happens.",[17,186,188],{"id":187},"what-should-i-keep-in-a-braces-emergency-kit","What should I keep in a braces emergency kit?",[10,190,191],{},"Short list, easy to pack, useful in a gym bag or school backpack:",[25,193,194,197,200,203,206,209],{},[28,195,196],{},"Orthodontic wax",[28,198,199],{},"A small mirror and a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser",[28,201,202],{},"Dental floss or an interdental brush",[28,204,205],{},"A travel toothbrush",[28,207,208],{},"Your retainer or aligner case, if you have one",[28,210,211],{},"The office phone number: 661-323-5910",[10,213,214,215,219],{},"If your teen plays sports, pair the kit with a proper mouthguard. Our post on\n",[106,216,218],{"href":217},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-and-school-sports-bakersfield","braces and school sports"," covers\nmouthguards, practices, and game day.",[17,221,223],{"id":222},"what-should-i-avoid-so-repairs-are-less-likely","What should I avoid so repairs are less likely?",[10,225,226,227,231],{},"Most broken brackets come from the same few foods and habits: hard candy, ice,\npopcorn kernels, whole raw carrots or apples bitten straight into, and chewing\non pens or fingernails. Cutting hard foods into small pieces and eating sticky\nfoods in moderation protects your braces. Brushing carefully around brackets\nalso helps. If you are comparing options for your own treatment, our overview\nof ",[106,228,230],{"href":229},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Fbraces","traditional braces"," explains what the hardware is\nmade of and how it is built to be worn.",[17,233,235],{"id":234},"when-should-i-call-the-orthodontist","When should I call the orthodontist?",[10,237,238],{},"Call the office when:",[25,240,241,244,247,250,253],{},[28,242,243],{},"a wire or bracket is cutting your cheek, lip, or tongue and wax does not\nhelp",[28,245,246],{},"a bracket, band, or wire has broken or come off",[28,248,249],{},"you have lost an aligner or retainer",[28,251,252],{},"pain keeps getting worse after the first few days, or a sore is not\nhealing",[28,254,255],{},"you are not sure whether something is a problem",[10,257,258],{},"The office is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Thursday\nfrom 7 AM to 4 PM, and is closed Friday through Sunday. The number is\n661-323-5910. If something happens outside those hours and wax gives you\nrelief, the repair can wait for the next open day. If there is facial\nswelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or trouble breathing,\ngo to an emergency room or call 911.",[17,260,262],{"id":261},"thinking-about-braces-in-bakersfield","Thinking about braces in Bakersfield?",[10,264,265,266,270,271,275],{},"If you are weighing braces for yourself or your child, the best next step is\nan exam, where Dr. Mendivil can explain the options and what treatment would\ninvolve. You can ",[106,267,269],{"href":268},"\u002Fschedule","schedule a free consultation",", and our\n",[106,272,274],{"href":273},"\u002Ffaq","FAQ"," answers many common questions in the meantime.",{"title":277,"searchDepth":278,"depth":278,"links":279},"",2,[280,281,282,283,284,285,286,287,288,289,290],{"id":19,"depth":278,"text":20},{"id":52,"depth":278,"text":53},{"id":77,"depth":278,"text":78},{"id":113,"depth":278,"text":114},{"id":120,"depth":278,"text":121},{"id":144,"depth":278,"text":145},{"id":156,"depth":278,"text":157},{"id":187,"depth":278,"text":188},{"id":222,"depth":278,"text":223},{"id":234,"depth":278,"text":235},{"id":261,"depth":278,"text":262},"\u002Fdr\u002Fdr-checking-patient.jpg","Orthodontist examining a patient's teeth in the treatment chair","landscape","2026-10-07","A poking wire or loose bracket is rarely a true braces emergency. Here is what to fix at home, what to save for a call, and when to head to the ER.","md",{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield",{"title":5,"description":295},"blog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield",[303],"Treatment timeline","Hvg6rYOgMMRX2HwBH2fDByDWJF1K8FSEK1wFVUCIGgk",[306,636,898],{"id":307,"title":308,"body":309,"cover":627,"coverAlt":628,"coverOrientation":293,"date":629,"description":630,"extension":296,"meta":631,"navigation":298,"path":151,"seo":632,"stem":633,"tags":634,"__hash__":635},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Ffirst-week-with-braces-bakersfield.md","First week with braces: what to expect and what to eat",{"type":7,"value":310,"toc":615},[311,314,317,321,324,327,353,356,360,370,373,377,380,385,402,408,411,415,418,444,447,451,454,457,471,474,478,481,486,500,505,519,526,530,533,544,547,551,554,570,577,581,602,606,609],[10,312,313],{},"The first week with braces is mostly a story of three things: tight, tender\nteeth for the first two to four days, a mouth that needs time to get used to\nnew hardware, and a menu that leans on yogurt. Soreness usually peaks early,\nfades well before the week is over, and is a sign the braces are doing their\njob rather than a sign something is wrong.",[10,315,316],{},"Here is the honest, day-by-day version for Bakersfield patients and parents,\nincluding what to eat, what to keep in your backpack, and the few things that\nare worth a phone call.",[17,318,320],{"id":319},"what-does-the-first-week-with-braces-actually-feel-like","What does the first week with braces actually feel like?",[10,322,323],{},"Think of the feeling after a hard workout, except it is in your teeth. The\narchwire (the thin metal wire that runs through the brackets) applies gentle,\nsteady pressure, and your teeth and the tissue around them respond to it. That\nresponse is mild inflammation, and it is what makes teeth feel tight, a little\ntender, and sometimes slightly loose-feeling.",[10,325,326],{},"A typical pattern looks like this. Every patient is different, so treat it as a\ngeneral guide rather than a promise.",[25,328,329,335,341,347],{},[28,330,331,334],{},[31,332,333],{},"Day 1."," Not much, at first. Many people feel pressure by the evening.\nBrackets (the small attachments bonded to each tooth) feel large and strange\nagainst your lips and tongue.",[28,336,337,340],{},[31,338,339],{},"Days 2 and 3."," Usually the tenderest stretch. Biting into anything firm\ncan feel like a bad idea, because it is.",[28,342,343,346],{},[31,344,345],{},"Days 4 and 5."," Soreness eases for most people. Your tongue stops\ninvestigating the brackets every few seconds.",[28,348,349,352],{},[31,350,351],{},"Days 6 and 7."," Chewing feels closer to normal, and the braces start to\nfeel like part of your mouth.",[10,354,355],{},"Teeth can feel sore again after adjustment visits, though usually\nless than the first time, because the teeth are already on the move.",[17,357,359],{"id":358},"why-do-braces-make-your-teeth-sore","Why do braces make your teeth sore?",[10,361,362,363,366,367,369],{},"Teeth sit in sockets in the jawbone, cushioned by a thin elastic layer called\nthe ",[31,364,365],{},"periodontal ligament",". When braces apply light pressure, the ligament\nand bone start the slow work of remodeling, which means bone is broken down on\none side of the root and rebuilt on the other so the tooth can travel. That\nprocess is what moves teeth, and the early soreness is the tissue reacting to\nit. Our post on ",[106,368,183],{"href":182},"\ngoes deeper into how that remodeling works.",[10,371,372],{},"Soreness that is steady and tolerable is normal. Sharp pain in one spot, or\npain that is getting worse after day five, is worth a call to your\northodontist.",[17,374,376],{"id":375},"what-can-you-eat-during-the-first-week-with-braces","What can you eat during the first week with braces?",[10,378,379],{},"Soft, cool, and low-effort foods win. The goal is to give sore teeth very\nlittle to bite through.",[10,381,382],{},[31,383,384],{},"Good choices for days 1 to 3:",[25,386,387,390,393,396,399],{},[28,388,389],{},"Yogurt, cottage cheese, and smoothies",[28,391,392],{},"Scrambled eggs and oatmeal",[28,394,395],{},"Mashed potatoes, soft pasta, and soup (lukewarm, not scalding)",[28,397,398],{},"Applesauce, bananas, and soft-cooked vegetables",[28,400,401],{},"Ice cream and frozen yogurt, in moderation",[10,403,404,407],{},[31,405,406],{},"Adding back on days 4 to 7:"," soft bread, tender chicken or fish, rice,\nquesadillas with soft fillings, and soft tortillas cut into small pieces.",[10,409,410],{},"On a hot Bakersfield afternoon, a cold smoothie or a frozen treat is useful\nfor more than comfort: cold can take the edge off sore gums. Brush well after\nsugary options, though, because braces make it easier for sugar to linger\naround brackets.",[17,412,414],{"id":413},"what-foods-should-you-avoid-with-braces","What foods should you avoid with braces?",[10,416,417],{},"These are the foods that most often break brackets or bend wires, and they\napply for the full length of treatment, not only the first week:",[25,419,420,426,432,438],{},[28,421,422,425],{},[31,423,424],{},"Hard:"," nuts, hard candy, ice, hard taco shells, and chips",[28,427,428,431],{},[31,429,430],{},"Sticky:"," caramel, taffy, gummy candy, and chewing gum",[28,433,434,437],{},[31,435,436],{},"Crunchy:"," popcorn (the hulls are famously good at hiding under wires)\nand raw, hard vegetables",[28,439,440,443],{},[31,441,442],{},"Tough to bite through:"," whole apples, corn on the cob, and crusty bread",[10,445,446],{},"You do not have to give up apples or corn forever. Slice the apple and cut the\ncorn from the cob. Your orthodontist will tell you if any food needs to stay\noff the menu entirely for your case.",[17,448,450],{"id":449},"why-do-braces-make-your-lips-and-cheeks-sore","Why do braces make your lips and cheeks sore?",[10,452,453],{},"Brackets are small, but your cheeks and lips have never met them before. In the\nfirst week, the soft tissue rubs against the metal and can develop small\nirritated spots, similar to a blister. This is common and usually settles as\nthe tissue toughens up.",[10,455,456],{},"Orthodontic wax is the standard fix. Here is how to use it:",[58,458,459,462,465,468],{},[28,460,461],{},"Dry the bracket or wire that is bothering you.",[28,463,464],{},"Pinch off a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.",[28,466,467],{},"Press it over the spot that is rubbing.",[28,469,470],{},"Remove it before eating, and replace it afterward.",[10,472,473],{},"A warm salt-water rinse (about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm\nwater) can help irritated spots feel better. Wax is for comfort only, and it\ndoes not fix a broken part. That distinction matters in the next section.",[17,475,477],{"id":476},"what-is-normal-and-what-is-worth-a-call","What is normal, and what is worth a call?",[10,479,480],{},"Most first-week experiences are normal. Here is how to tell the difference.",[10,482,483],{},[31,484,485],{},"Normal in the first week:",[25,487,488,491,494,497],{},[28,489,490],{},"Tender, tight teeth that ease by day four or five",[28,492,493],{},"Slightly sore or irritated lips and cheeks",[28,495,496],{},"A little extra saliva, a lisp when you talk, or both, usually for a few days",[28,498,499],{},"Food catching around brackets",[10,501,502],{},[31,503,504],{},"Call your orthodontist if:",[25,506,507,510,513,516],{},[28,508,509],{},"A wire is poking and wax does not solve it",[28,511,512],{},"A bracket has come off a tooth, or a band has come loose",[28,514,515],{},"Pain is severe, one-sided, or getting worse after the first few days",[28,517,518],{},"You have swelling, or a mouth sore that does not improve",[10,520,521,522,525],{},"A loose bracket is usually a repair visit, not an emergency, but it is better\nto report it than to wait for your next scheduled adjustment. Our guide to\n",[106,523,524],{"href":299},"what to do in a braces emergency","\ncovers each repair in detail. If a problem\ninvolves an injury to the mouth or face, or you are not sure how serious it is,\ncontact the office, and if you cannot reach us, go to an emergency room.",[17,527,529],{"id":528},"how-do-you-brush-and-clean-with-braces-in-the-first-week","How do you brush and clean with braces in the first week?",[10,531,532],{},"Brushing feels awkward at first, which is exactly why it is tempting to skip.\nDo not skip it. Plaque collects quickly around brackets, and gums that are\nalready tender will only get more irritated if food is left behind.",[25,534,535,538,541],{},[28,536,537],{},"Brush after meals if you can, using a soft toothbrush and angling the bristles\ntoward the gumline, above and below each bracket.",[28,539,540],{},"Floss once a day. Floss threaders or small interdental brushes make it\nmanageable.",[28,542,543],{},"Keep a travel toothbrush in your backpack or car for school, work, and\npractice days.",[10,545,546],{},"It takes most people a week or two to get fast at cleaning around braces.",[17,548,550],{"id":549},"what-should-you-pack-in-a-first-week-braces-kit","What should you pack in a first-week braces kit?",[10,552,553],{},"A small pouch is enough, and it makes the week much easier:",[25,555,556,558,561,564,567],{},[28,557,196],{},[28,559,560],{},"A travel toothbrush and a small toothpaste",[28,562,563],{},"Floss threaders or interdental brushes",[28,565,566],{},"Lip balm, since braces can leave lips dry",[28,568,569],{},"Your orthodontist's phone number, saved in your phone",[10,571,572,573,576],{},"For students, the kit is also useful on game days. Our guide to\n",[106,574,575],{"href":217},"braces and school sports in Bakersfield","\ncovers mouthguards and what to do after a hit to the mouth.",[17,578,580],{"id":579},"how-long-until-braces-feel-normal","How long until braces feel normal?",[10,582,583,584,586,587,589,590,594,595,598,599,601],{},"Most people feel comfortable within a week or two, and many stop noticing their\nbraces within the first month. Treatment itself is a longer road; our guide to\n",[106,585,109],{"href":108}," explains the\ntimeline. If you are still deciding on the type of appliance, you can compare\n",[106,588,230],{"href":229},", ",[106,591,593],{"href":592},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Faesthetic-braces","aesthetic options",",\nor ",[106,596,597],{"href":171},"Invisalign",". Questions about soreness and what\nto eat often show up in our ",[106,600,274],{"href":273}," as well.",[17,603,605],{"id":604},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-braces","When should you see an orthodontist about braces?",[10,607,608],{},"If you or your child has crowded teeth, a bite that does not line up, or\ntrouble chewing, an orthodontic exam is the best way to learn whether braces\nmake sense. Dr. Guy Mendivil has practiced orthodontics in Bakersfield since\n1989. Treatment takes place in private rooms, and bilingual staff are\navailable in English and Spanish. The office is at 11901 Bolthouse Dr Suite\n200, serving Seven Oaks, Stockdale, and greater Bakersfield.",[10,610,611,612,614],{},"If you are curious what a first visit involves, you are welcome to\n",[106,613,269],{"href":268},".",{"title":277,"searchDepth":278,"depth":278,"links":616},[617,618,619,620,621,622,623,624,625,626],{"id":319,"depth":278,"text":320},{"id":358,"depth":278,"text":359},{"id":375,"depth":278,"text":376},{"id":413,"depth":278,"text":414},{"id":449,"depth":278,"text":450},{"id":476,"depth":278,"text":477},{"id":528,"depth":278,"text":529},{"id":549,"depth":278,"text":550},{"id":579,"depth":278,"text":580},{"id":604,"depth":278,"text":605},"\u002Fservices\u002Fsmiling-teen-braces.jpg","Teen patient smiling with traditional braces","2026-10-05","What the first week with braces really feels like, day by day: soreness, lip irritation, soft foods to eat, and when to call your Bakersfield orthodontist.",{},{"title":308,"description":630},"blog\u002Ffirst-week-with-braces-bakersfield",[303],"nmYUptCOTf93E-IE5khN7AdJjf75G-NLmxUdBCW9RQg",{"id":637,"title":638,"body":639,"cover":889,"coverAlt":890,"coverOrientation":293,"date":891,"description":892,"extension":296,"meta":893,"navigation":298,"path":182,"seo":894,"stem":895,"tags":896,"__hash__":897},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fretainers-after-braces-bakersfield.md","Retainers after braces: why teeth move back",{"type":7,"value":640,"toc":878},[641,647,650,654,660,667,670,684,691,695,698,712,715,718,722,725,739,742,746,749,753,764,768,771,797,805,809,812,832,836,848,852,855,869],[10,642,643,644,646],{},"Yes, you need a retainer after braces, and for most people the need does not\nend when the braces come off. Teeth are held in the jaw by living tissue that\nkeeps responding to pressure for your whole life, so ",[31,645,183],{},"\nare what keep the new position from drifting back toward the old one.",[10,648,649],{},"That answer surprises many Bakersfield patients and parents. Braces work for\n18 months or two years, so it seems reasonable to expect the result to be\npermanent. The reason it is not comes down to biology, and once you understand\nit, retainer instructions stop feeling arbitrary.",[17,651,653],{"id":652},"why-do-teeth-move-back-after-braces","Why do teeth move back after braces?",[10,655,656,657,659],{},"Teeth are not fixed into bone like posts in concrete. Each tooth sits in a\nsocket, held by a thin elastic layer called the ",[31,658,365],{},"\n(the tissue that anchors the root to the surrounding bone). That ligament\nacts a bit like a shock absorber, and it is the reason teeth can move at all.",[10,661,662,663,666],{},"When braces apply gentle, steady pressure, the bone on the pressure side of\nthe root is broken down by specialized cells, and new bone is built on the\nopposite side. This process is called ",[31,664,665],{},"bone remodeling",". The tooth travels\nthrough the bone one small step at a time, which is why adjustments are spaced\nweeks apart rather than done in one visit.",[10,668,669],{},"When the braces come off, two things are still true:",[25,671,672,678],{},[28,673,674,677],{},[31,675,676],{},"The bone around the moved teeth is still maturing."," New bone needs time\nto firm up around the roots in their new positions.",[28,679,680,683],{},[31,681,682],{},"The fibers in the gums and ligament have a memory."," Fibers stretched\nduring treatment tend to pull gradually back toward where they started.",[10,685,686,687,690],{},"Everyday forces add to this. Chewing, swallowing, the pressure of the tongue\nand lips, and even normal aging changes in the jaw keep nudging teeth. That is\nwhy orthodontists describe the tendency of teeth to shift back as ",[31,688,689],{},"relapse",",\nand why it can happen to people who had excellent treatment results.",[17,692,694],{"id":693},"how-long-do-you-have-to-wear-a-retainer-after-braces","How long do you have to wear a retainer after braces?",[10,696,697],{},"Your orthodontist sets the schedule for your case, and it is worth following\nit exactly. In general, retainer wear follows two stages:",[58,699,700,706],{},[28,701,702,705],{},[31,703,704],{},"Full-time wear at first."," For the first several months after braces are\nremoved, retainers are usually worn most of the day and night, taken out for\neating and brushing. This is when the bone and fibers are least settled.",[28,707,708,711],{},[31,709,710],{},"Nightly wear afterward."," Once the teeth have stabilized, wear usually\ndrops to nighttime only. Dr. Mendivil typically has patients wear their\nretainers nightly after the initial retention period.",[10,713,714],{},"Many orthodontists, and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), say\nsome degree of retainer wear is needed long term. The honest version of \"how\nlong\" is that the exact frequency depends on your teeth, your original\nproblem, and how stable your result is, so it is a question to ask at your\nretention visit.",[10,716,717],{},"A helpful way to think about it: the retainer is the simplest part of orthodontic\ncare to keep up, and it protects the part that took the longest.",[17,719,721],{"id":720},"what-are-the-types-of-retainers","What are the types of retainers?",[10,723,724],{},"You will usually be offered one of two general styles.",[25,726,727,733],{},[28,728,729,732],{},[31,730,731],{},"Removable retainers"," are worn over or behind the teeth and taken out for\nmeals and cleaning. They can be clear plastic trays or wire-and-acrylic\ndesigns.",[28,734,735,738],{},[31,736,737],{},"Fixed (bonded) retainers"," are thin wires attached to the back of the\nfront teeth, where they are not visible. They work around the clock but need\ncareful cleaning, since floss has to be threaded underneath.",[10,740,741],{},"Which one suits you depends on where your teeth started and how likely they\nare to shift. Some patients use both. The choice is part of your treatment\nplan, so ask about it during your consultation rather than after the braces\ncome off.",[17,743,745],{"id":744},"can-teeth-still-move-years-after-braces","Can teeth still move years after braces?",[10,747,748],{},"They can. Relapse is not limited to the first year, and it is not a sign that\ntreatment failed. Lower front teeth are a common place to notice it, as slight\ncrowding returns. Changes in the jaw over the decades, wisdom teeth, and\nhabits such as clenching all play a part, and the effects are gradual enough\nthat many people only notice them in photos. Steady retainer wear is the\npractical answer, because it resists all of those forces at once.",[17,750,752],{"id":751},"do-invisalign-patients-need-retainers-too","Do Invisalign patients need retainers too?",[10,754,755,756,758,759,763],{},"Yes. ",[106,757,597],{"href":171}," and\n",[106,760,762],{"href":761},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Finvisalign-teen","Invisalign Teen"," move teeth through the same\nbiology as braces, so the same tendency to shift applies once the final aligner\nis done. Dr. Mendivil's office is a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen\nprovider, and retention is part of the plan from the beginning.",[17,765,767],{"id":766},"what-if-my-retainer-is-lost-broken-or-feels-tight","What if my retainer is lost, broken, or feels tight?",[10,769,770],{},"Retainers get lost more often than anyone expects, usually wrapped in a\nnapkin at lunch. If that happens, the steps are simple.",[25,772,773,779,785,791],{},[28,774,775,778],{},[31,776,777],{},"Call the office soon."," A replacement is easier before much movement has\noccurred. Do not wait until a retainer feels comfortable again.",[28,780,781,784],{},[31,782,783],{},"Do not force a tight retainer into place."," A retainer that pinches after\na few nights off may mean the teeth have already shifted. Pushing it on can\nhurt the teeth. Stop wearing it and have it checked.",[28,786,787,790],{},[31,788,789],{},"Bring it in if it cracks or a wire bends."," A damaged retainer no longer\nholds teeth where they belong.",[28,792,793,796],{},[31,794,795],{},"Wear it, do not just keep it."," A retainer in a case in the car does\nnothing for your teeth.",[10,798,799,800,804],{},"If teeth have already moved noticeably, a short course of treatment may be\nneeded. Adults returning after earlier braces are common; our post on\n",[106,801,803],{"href":802},"\u002Fblog\u002Fadult-braces-bakersfield","braces for adults in Bakersfield"," covers what\nthat visit looks like.",[17,806,808],{"id":807},"how-do-you-care-for-a-retainer-in-the-bakersfield-heat","How do you care for a retainer in the Bakersfield heat?",[10,810,811],{},"Valley summers are hard on plastic. A retainer left on a car dashboard or seat\ncan warp within minutes, and a warped retainer does not fit. A few habits help:",[25,813,814,817,820,823,826],{},[28,815,816],{},"Keep it in its case, never wrapped in a napkin or loose in a pocket.",[28,818,819],{},"Store the case out of direct sun and out of a hot car.",[28,821,822],{},"Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Hot water can bend\nplastic, so avoid it.",[28,824,825],{},"Keep it away from pets. Dogs find retainers irresistible.",[28,827,828,829,831],{},"Remove it for contact sports and wear a mouthguard instead. Our guide to\n",[106,830,575],{"href":217},"\ncovers game-day habits.",[17,833,835],{"id":834},"is-retainer-wear-part-of-the-treatment-timeline","Is retainer wear part of the treatment timeline?",[10,837,838,839,842,843,847],{},"It is. Active tooth movement is only one phase, and retention is the phase that\nprotects it. When you compare estimates from different offices, ask what is\nincluded for retainers and for follow-up. Our\n",[106,840,841],{"href":108},"braces timeline guide"," walks\nthrough each phase from records to retention, and the\n",[106,844,846],{"href":845},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-much-do-braces-cost-in-bakersfield-ca","Bakersfield braces cost guide","\nexplains what fees typically cover.",[17,849,851],{"id":850},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-retainers","When should you see an orthodontist about retainers?",[10,853,854],{},"Contact an orthodontist if:",[25,856,857,860,863,866],{},[28,858,859],{},"your retainer is lost, cracked, or no longer fits",[28,861,862],{},"your teeth feel or look like they have moved since treatment",[28,864,865],{},"a fixed retainer wire comes loose or feels sharp",[28,867,868],{},"you have not been seen in years and are unsure about your bite",[10,870,871,872,874,875,614],{},"An exam is the only reliable way to tell whether a shift is minor and\ncorrectable with a new retainer or needs treatment. If you would like a\nprofessional opinion, you are welcome to\n",[106,873,269],{"href":268}," with Dr. Mendivil, and you can browse\nanswers to other common questions on our ",[106,876,877],{"href":273},"FAQ page",{"title":277,"searchDepth":278,"depth":278,"links":879},[880,881,882,883,884,885,886,887,888],{"id":652,"depth":278,"text":653},{"id":693,"depth":278,"text":694},{"id":720,"depth":278,"text":721},{"id":744,"depth":278,"text":745},{"id":751,"depth":278,"text":752},{"id":766,"depth":278,"text":767},{"id":807,"depth":278,"text":808},{"id":834,"depth":278,"text":835},{"id":850,"depth":278,"text":851},"\u002Fphotos\u002Fsmile-with-braces.jpg","Close-up of a smile with traditional metal braces and an archwire","2026-09-30","Do you really need a retainer after braces? Learn the science of why teeth shift, how long to wear retainers, and what to do if yours is lost or tight.",{},{"title":638,"description":892},"blog\u002Fretainers-after-braces-bakersfield",[303],"D7MbbYJAyMOmRWFa73tNCBFn2wkGq7HBeSk7qecR_ns",{"id":899,"title":900,"body":901,"cover":1167,"coverAlt":1168,"coverOrientation":293,"date":1169,"description":1170,"extension":296,"meta":1171,"navigation":298,"path":217,"seo":1172,"stem":1173,"tags":1174,"__hash__":1176},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-and-school-sports-bakersfield.md","Braces and school sports in Bakersfield: mouthguards, practice, and game day",{"type":7,"value":902,"toc":1146},[903,906,909,913,916,926,929,933,936,941,944,948,951,954,958,961,964,968,971,974,982,990,994,997,1000,1004,1007,1041,1049,1053,1056,1091,1095,1099,1102,1106,1109,1113,1116,1120,1123,1127,1130,1134,1137,1140],[10,904,905],{},"Yes, students can play sports with braces. Football, soccer, basketball,\nbaseball, softball, wrestling, cheer, water polo, and track are all compatible\nwith orthodontic treatment when the right protection is in place.",[10,907,908],{},"Fall sports are underway at Stockdale, Liberty, Frontier, and other schools\nacross Bakersfield, and many of the families we see are balancing practice\nschedules with a new set of braces. Here is what parents and athletes should\nknow about mouthguards, contact, band and instruments, and keeping treatment on\nschedule through the season.",[17,910,912],{"id":911},"do-athletes-with-braces-need-a-mouthguard","Do athletes with braces need a mouthguard?",[10,914,915],{},"Yes, and it matters more with braces than without them. A blow to the mouth\nwithout protection can push the lips and cheeks into the brackets, which is\nthe most common way athletes with braces get cut. A hard hit can also bend a\nwire, break a bracket, or in a serious case damage a tooth.",[10,917,918,919,925],{},"The ",[106,920,924],{"href":921,"rel":922},"https:\u002F\u002Faaoinfo.org\u002F",[923],"nofollow","American Association of Orthodontists"," recommends a\nmouthguard for any sport with a risk of contact, falls, or flying equipment.\nThat covers the obvious ones like football and wrestling, and also basketball,\nsoccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and skateboarding.",[10,927,928],{},"A mouthguard does two jobs for an athlete with braces. It cushions the teeth\nand jaw from impact, and it keeps the soft tissue of the lips and cheeks away\nfrom the brackets and wires.",[17,930,932],{"id":931},"which-mouthguard-works-with-braces","Which mouthguard works with braces?",[10,934,935],{},"Not every mouthguard is a good fit for braces. The three common types behave\ndifferently.",[937,938,940],"h3",{"id":939},"stock-mouthguards","Stock mouthguards",[10,942,943],{},"These come pre-formed in a few sizes and go straight into the mouth. They are\ninexpensive but bulky, loose, and hard to breathe and talk around. They rarely\nsit well over braces and offer the least protection of the three.",[937,945,947],{"id":946},"boil-and-bite-mouthguards","Boil-and-bite mouthguards",[10,949,950],{},"These soften in hot water and are molded by biting down. They are widely\navailable and work for many athletes without braces. With braces, the problem\nis that the material molds tightly around the brackets. As teeth move during\ntreatment, the guard stops fitting, and a guard that has hardened around the\nhardware can be difficult to remove.",[10,952,953],{},"If a boil-and-bite guard is the only option, look for one labeled for braces.\nThese are designed not to form around the brackets and leave room for the\nteeth to shift.",[937,955,957],{"id":956},"orthodontic-mouthguards","Orthodontic mouthguards",[10,959,960],{},"These are made specifically for athletes in braces. They use a softer material\nwith a channel that sits over the brackets without molding to them, so the fit\nholds up as the teeth move. They are the most comfortable choice for most\nstudents in treatment and the one we typically point families toward.",[10,962,963],{},"Bring the mouthguard to an adjustment visit if you are unsure about the fit.\nThe orthodontist can check whether it seats properly over the brackets and\nwhether it still fits as treatment progresses.",[17,965,967],{"id":966},"what-about-invisalign-and-sports","What about Invisalign and sports?",[10,969,970],{},"Removable aligners create a different set of decisions. For non-contact\nsports, aligners can usually stay in during practice and games, and the\nathlete simply keeps up with the daily wear target.",[10,972,973],{},"For contact sports, the usual approach is to remove the aligners, wear a\nstandard mouthguard, and put the trays back in immediately afterward. The trays\nshould go into their case, not a pocket or gym bag, so they are not lost or\ncrushed.",[10,975,976,977,981],{},"The tradeoff is wear time. Invisalign works only while it is in the mouth,\nand the target is about 22 hours per day. An athlete with a two-hour practice\nevery afternoon plus games on the weekend can fall short quickly if the trays\nalso come out for meals and snacks. Our\n",[106,978,980],{"href":979},"\u002Fblog\u002Finvisalign-vs-braces-bakersfield","Invisalign vs. braces guide"," explains\nwhy consistency is the main challenge with aligners.",[10,983,984,986,987,614],{},[106,985,762],{"href":761}," can still be a good option for\nathletes who are motivated to wear the trays and want a removable appliance\nduring the season. At a consultation, Dr. Mendivil weighs the sport, the\nschedule, and the individual student's habits before recommending aligners or\nfixed ",[106,988,989],{"href":229},"braces",[17,991,993],{"id":992},"can-students-play-instruments-with-braces","Can students play instruments with braces?",[10,995,996],{},"Yes. Band, orchestra, and marching band are all possible during treatment.\nStudents who play brass or woodwind instruments usually need a week or two to\nadjust their embouchure, the way the lips and mouth form around the\nmouthpiece. Brass players tend to notice the change most because the\nmouthpiece presses the lips against the front teeth.",[10,998,999],{},"Orthodontic wax over the front brackets helps during the adjustment period, and\nmost students are back to normal playing within a few weeks. A lip protector\ndesigned for brass players can also help. Invisalign is sometimes considered\nfor serious wind and brass musicians, since it does not sit on the outside of\nthe teeth, and the same compliance question applies.",[17,1001,1003],{"id":1002},"what-if-a-player-takes-a-hit-to-the-mouth","What if a player takes a hit to the mouth?",[10,1005,1006],{},"Most impacts with a mouthguard in place cause no damage at all. When something\ndoes happen, here is what to do.",[58,1008,1009,1015,1024,1030],{},[28,1010,1011,1014],{},[31,1012,1013],{},"Check for bleeding and cuts."," Rinse with water. Minor cuts on the lips\nor cheeks from a bracket usually stop bleeding on their own. Cover a\npoking bracket or wire with orthodontic wax.",[28,1016,1017,1020,1021,614],{},[31,1018,1019],{},"Check the braces."," Look for a bracket that has come loose, a wire that\nhas shifted, or anything that feels different from before. A loose bracket\nthat is still attached to the wire can usually wait until the office opens. For\nmore on handling broken pieces, see our\n",[106,1022,1023],{"href":299},"braces emergency guide",[28,1025,1026,1029],{},[31,1027,1028],{},"Check the teeth."," A tooth that is loose, chipped, or pushed out of\nposition needs prompt attention. If a tooth has been knocked out entirely,\nkeep it moist in milk and seek care immediately.",[28,1031,1032,1035,1036,1040],{},[31,1033,1034],{},"Call the office."," During office hours, call\n",[106,1037,1039],{"href":1038},"\u002Fcontact","Dr. Mendivil Orthodontics"," at 661-323-5910. We hold same-day\nslots for orthodontic repairs when the situation warrants it. For a serious\ndental injury after hours, the nearest emergency room can handle dental\ntrauma.",[10,1042,1043,1044,1048],{},"Our ",[106,1045,1047],{"href":1046},"\u002Fpatient-info","patient information page"," covers what counts as urgent\nbetween visits.",[17,1050,1052],{"id":1051},"how-do-you-keep-treatment-on-schedule-during-the-season","How do you keep treatment on schedule during the season?",[10,1054,1055],{},"A busy season does not need to slow treatment down. A few habits make the\ndifference.",[25,1057,1058,1064,1070,1076,1082],{},[28,1059,1060,1063],{},[31,1061,1062],{},"Keep the adjustment appointments."," Visits every 4 to 8 weeks are what\nmove treatment forward. Thursday hours run 7 AM to 4 PM, which can work well\nfor a visit before school or practice.",[28,1065,1066,1069],{},[31,1067,1068],{},"Pack a small kit."," A travel toothbrush, orthodontic wax, and a mouthguard\ncase in the sports bag cover most situations.",[28,1071,1072,1075],{},[31,1073,1074],{},"Watch team snacks."," Sunflower seeds, hard candy, gum, and sticky sports\nbars are the usual culprits for broken brackets. Soft options like bananas,\nyogurt, and cut fruit are easier on the hardware.",[28,1077,1078,1081],{},[31,1079,1080],{},"Rinse after sports drinks."," Sugary drinks plus braces raise the risk of\nwhite spots on the enamel. Water during practice and a rinse after a sports\ndrink help.",[28,1083,1084,1087,1088,1090],{},[31,1085,1086],{},"Wear the rubber bands."," Elastics are easy to skip on game days. Missed\ndays add up and can extend the timeline. Our guide to\n",[106,1089,109],{"href":108}," explains\nhow cooperation affects the schedule.",[17,1092,1094],{"id":1093},"common-questions-from-bakersfield-parents","Common questions from Bakersfield parents",[937,1096,1098],{"id":1097},"should-we-wait-until-the-season-is-over-to-start-braces","Should we wait until the season is over to start braces?",[10,1100,1101],{},"Usually not. Braces are compatible with nearly every sport once a mouthguard\nis in place, and delaying treatment can mean missing a window when growth is\nhelping the orthodontist. Talk to the office about the practice schedule, and\nask about starting a week or two before a big tournament rather than the day\nbefore.",[937,1103,1105],{"id":1104},"does-a-mouthguard-fit-over-the-top-and-bottom-teeth","Does a mouthguard fit over the top and bottom teeth?",[10,1107,1108],{},"Most athletic mouthguards cover only the upper teeth, which take the majority\nof impacts. Some sports and some bites call for a guard on the lower teeth as\nwell. The orthodontist can advise based on the sport and the appliance.",[937,1110,1112],{"id":1111},"can-my-child-wrestle-with-braces","Can my child wrestle with braces?",[10,1114,1115],{},"Yes. Wrestling has close contact with the mat and other athletes, so a\nproperly fitted orthodontic mouthguard is essential, and wax on the front\nbrackets can help protect the lips during matches.",[937,1117,1119],{"id":1118},"does-the-mouthguard-need-replacing-during-treatment","Does the mouthguard need replacing during treatment?",[10,1121,1122],{},"Often, yes. Teeth move during treatment, and a guard that fit at the start of\nthe season may not fit by the end. Check the fit regularly and replace a guard\nthat has become loose, torn, or hard to seat.",[937,1124,1126],{"id":1125},"what-about-swimming-or-water-polo","What about swimming or water polo?",[10,1128,1129],{},"Swimming needs no special precautions with braces or aligners. Water polo\ninvolves contact, so a mouthguard is recommended. Aligners should come out for\nwater polo and go back in afterward.",[17,1131,1133],{"id":1132},"orthodontic-care-for-student-athletes-in-bakersfield","Orthodontic care for student athletes in Bakersfield",[10,1135,1136],{},"Dr. Guy Mendivil has practiced orthodontics in Bakersfield since 1989 and\ntreats students from across Seven Oaks, Stockdale, and greater Bakersfield.\nTreatment takes place in private rooms, and bilingual staff are available in\nEnglish and Spanish.",[10,1138,1139],{},"The office is located at 11901 Bolthouse Dr Suite 200, and same-day repair\nslots are held during office hours for athletes who need them.",[10,1141,1142,1145],{},[106,1143,1144],{"href":268},"Schedule a free consultation"," to plan treatment around the season,\nor to have a mouthguard checked for fit over braces.",{"title":277,"searchDepth":278,"depth":278,"links":1147},[1148,1149,1155,1156,1157,1158,1159,1166],{"id":911,"depth":278,"text":912},{"id":931,"depth":278,"text":932,"children":1150},[1151,1153,1154],{"id":939,"depth":1152,"text":940},3,{"id":946,"depth":1152,"text":947},{"id":956,"depth":1152,"text":957},{"id":966,"depth":278,"text":967},{"id":992,"depth":278,"text":993},{"id":1002,"depth":278,"text":1003},{"id":1051,"depth":278,"text":1052},{"id":1093,"depth":278,"text":1094,"children":1160},[1161,1162,1163,1164,1165],{"id":1097,"depth":1152,"text":1098},{"id":1104,"depth":1152,"text":1105},{"id":1111,"depth":1152,"text":1112},{"id":1118,"depth":1152,"text":1119},{"id":1125,"depth":1152,"text":1126},{"id":1132,"depth":278,"text":1133},"\u002Fservices\u002Ftwo-teens-braces.jpg","Two teenagers smiling with braces","2026-09-14","A guide for Bakersfield parents on playing sports with braces or Invisalign, choosing the right mouthguard, handling a hit to the mouth, and keeping treatment on track through the season.",{},{"title":900,"description":1170},"blog\u002Fbraces-and-school-sports-bakersfield",[1175],"Braces and school life","UN3vEjZws3XyZnx3s9qPKZnJEFbKs7NLz6gfUQ2sDQo",1791389890327]