It is normal for your braces to cause some discomfort during the first few days after placement and for a few days after an adjustment. To increase your comfort it is helpful to do the following:
- Eat only soft foods for the first few days.
- Place wax over any part of the braces that is causing irritation.
- Use warm saltwater rinse after brushing.
Good oral hygiene is important while wearing braces. The braces themselves do not harm the teeth; however, much greater care must be exercised in flossing and brushing the teeth and gum tissues.
What Can I Eat?
Most foods are OK for you to eat, but please avoid hard, sticky, crunchy foods and carbonated beverages while wearing braces.
Examples of hard foods are:
Raw Carrots, Apples, Nuts, Popcorn, Pizza Crust, Hard Breads, Hard Candy, Chips and Ice.
Examples of sticky foods are:
Chewing Gum (unless it is an orthodontic approved brand), Taffy and Caramels.
Brushing and Flossing
How to Brush 1...2...3...
One - Brush the front and back of each of your front teeth. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and use slow, circular motions.
Two - Work the brush between the wires and brackets of your braces. Go slowly. Make sure you cover each part of the appliance. Gently brush the gums, too.
Three - Brush the top and sides of each back tooth. Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Rinse with water. Then use other rinses or gels as directed.
How to Floss 1...2...
One - Put 1 or 2 feet of floss into a floss threader. Thread the floss between your teeth and the wires of your braces. Remove the floss threader.
Two - Wrap the ends of floss around your fingers. Pull to make a "V" shape. Rub the floss up to the gums and then down the sides of the teeth. Do this between each tooth.
PDF Step by Step Pictured Guide Download
Your General Dentist
We require you to visit your dentist every 6 months while your braces are in place. It is your responsibility to schedule and keep these appointments.
*** EMERGENCIES ***
Please download the following orthodontic emergencies and their treatments list (PDF listed from least to most severe). Only the most severe emergencies may require immediate attention by an orthodontist. The majority of these are easily treated with a follow-up by the patient's orthodontist. The PDF Pictured guide here will help you to determine if you have an emergency.
PDF Step by Step Pictured Guide Download