Brushing and Flossing
It is important to brush and floss regularly when you have braces to maintain the health of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Patients who don’t keep their teeth clean may need more frequent professional cleanings at the dentist. Additionally, adults with a history of gum disease should also consult a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
Please watch the following two videos on the proper care of braces during orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
What foods can you eat? Let’s discuss what foods you should avoid! For the first day or so, it’s best to stick to soft foods. Stay away from tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. In no time, you’ll be able to snack on a crunchy cucumber again. However, you’ll need to be mindful of your orthodontic appliances every time you eat while wearing braces.
Foods to Avoid:
- 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
Chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, or fingernails can cause damage to the braces, leading to longer treatment.
General Soreness
When you first get your braces, you may experience:
- Soreness: Your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3 – 5 days.
- Irritation: The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated as they adjust to the braces.
To alleviate discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relief such as Tylenol and apply wax to irritated areas; this will help ease the soreness.
Rubber Band Wear
For effective orthodontic treatment:
- Consistency Required: Wear rubber bands or other prescribed appliances as directed.
- Impact of Non-Compliance: Lack of adherence can extend treatment time.
Loosening of Teeth
This is to be expected throughout the treatment. Don’t worry! It’s normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can move. The teeth will firm up in their new — corrected — positions after the treatment.
Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band becomes loose:
- Immediate Action: Gently push the wire back into place using a blunt instrument, such as the eraser end of a pencil.
- Irritation Relief: Place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce discomfort.
- Follow-Up: Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for repair.
Athletics
If you play sports, it’s important to wear a protective mouthguard to keep your braces and mouth safe. Please inform us about the sports you play so we can give you personalized advice and make any necessary adjustments. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene after playing.
If you experience any issues with your braces while playing sports, please contact us right away to make sure your treatment stays on schedule.
