It really does seem like these things happen at the worst times, right? I get super anxious about stuff like this—my youngest chipped a tooth right before a family wedding and I basically spiraled for a bit. I totally agree about watching for changes in eating or speech. Sometimes you can’t even see the chip unless you’re looking for it, but if something feels off, I’d rather get it checked than risk it getting worse. Braces add another layer of worry, honestly. You’re spot on about trusting your gut... I’d rather be overly cautious than miss something important.
You nailed it—these things have a knack for happening right when you least need the extra stress. I remember my grandson chipped his front tooth the day before school pictures... you can imagine the scramble. I agree, it’s better to err on the side of caution. I’ve seen a few chips over the years that didn’t look like much but caused issues later on.
Braces do complicate things, but from what I’ve seen, most kids bounce back fast. Sometimes the worry is worse than the actual problem. Trusting your gut is important, but I also try not to let myself spiral too much. If something feels off, a quick check with the dentist usually brings peace of mind.
Honestly, you’re doing just fine. Being cautious isn’t a bad thing—just don’t beat yourself up over it. Kids are resilient, and teeth can usually be fixed.