Life with Braces
Your braces are on.
Now what? Here’s the scoop on how to get used to–and how to best care for–your new orthodontic appliances. Please contact our office if you have any questions. We are always ready to help.
Care with eating:
Common sense will tell you to steer clear of hard, sticky, and sugary foods. Hard foods may damage or break your appliance. Sticky foods can get caught and pull off brackets and wires. Sugary foods cause tooth decay. Pencil chewing and nail biting should also be avoided. Check your braces regularly. If you feel a loose or broken wire or bracket, contact our office and make an appointment.
Brushing and flossing:
We perform the treatment but you’re responsible for ensuring your mouth stays healthy and clean. Regular brushing and flossing will protect the areas where food gets stuck. The bacteria from plaque accumulation (when food particles stay in between the teeth for a long time) causes tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Brush after eating (at least 2x/day), by slowly making a circular motion to reach all the areas, including above and below braces, so you contact your gums. Hold the brush at an angle to cover all the areas between braces, between teeth and the surface of each tooth. Include your tongue and roof of your mouth.
Dental floss should be used to remove plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Floss nightly, using the tools provided by our office for the hard-to-reach spots, under your archwire.
First Aid:
In the case of a broken or lost appliance call the office first (instead of coming directly) so we can book the right amount of time for you, even if you already have an appointment scheduled. Repairs make take a little more time.
Loose bands or brackets:
If a bracket or wire is loose, it may need refitting so call our office and we can arrange for the repair.
Poking wires:
Sometime a pokey wire may cause discomfort inside your mouth. Try moving the wire away from the irritated area using a cotton swab, or cover the sharp end with a small piece of wax. Nail clippers, sterilized with alcohol, can be used to clip the wire if possible. Make an appointment at our office if you need help!