New Patients Welcome!
Remember to Brush and Floss Regularly
Regularly brushing and flossing is crucial when you have braces to maintain healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Failure to keep teeth clean may result in more frequent visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. Adults with a history of gum disease should also consult a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
Braces and Eating
Let's discuss what foods to avoid while wearing braces. Stick to soft foods initially and steer clear of tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Eventually, you'll be able to enjoy crunchy foods like cucumbers again, but be sure to protect your orthodontic appliances while eating.
Avoid These Foods
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, candy
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots, meat on the bone
Avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, or fingernails as it can harm your braces and prolong your treatment.
Overall Body Aches
After getting your braces, you may experience some soreness in your mouth and teeth for 3-5 days. You can take Tylenol or your usual pain reliever for any discomfort. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated for 1-2 weeks as they adjust to the braces. We will provide you with wax to apply to any irritated areas on the braces to help reduce discomfort.
Loosening of Teeth
During treatment, it is normal for teeth to loosen before they can move into their new positions. This is nothing to worry about, as the teeth will firm up in their corrected positions once treatment is finished.
Wire or Band is Loose
If a wire or band becomes loose, do not worry as this can happen occasionally. If a wire is sticking out and causing irritation, gently push it back under the archwire using a blunt instrument like the eraser end of a pencil. If irritation to the lips or mouth persists, you can place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the discomfort. Please contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for us to check and repair the issue.
Rubber Band Wear
In order to achieve successful results in orthodontic treatment, it is essential for the patient to collaborate closely with the orthodontist. Consistently wearing rubber bands or other prescribed appliances is crucial for the teeth and jaws to move towards their corrected positions. Failure to follow instructions and damaging appliances can prolong the treatment time. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the orthodontist's guidance.
Athletics
Please inform us if you participate in sports so we can provide you with a protective mouthguard for contact sports.