Brushing and Flossing
Remember, it’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene when you have braces. Regular brushing and flossing are crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. Neglecting oral hygiene can result in more frequent dental visits for professional cleanings. For adults with a history of gum disease, it’s advisable to see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. Here are some key points to remember:
- Brush after every meal: This helps remove food particles that can get trapped in your braces.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: It’s gentle on your gums and helps clean around your braces effectively.
- Floss daily: Special floss threaders or orthodontic floss can help you clean between your teeth and braces.
- Rinse with mouthwash: This helps reduce bacteria and keep your mouth fresh.
Eating with Braces
It’s important to adjust your diet to protect your braces and ensure a smooth treatment process. At first, stick to soft foods to minimize discomfort. As you become more accustomed to your braces, you can slowly start to eat a wider variety of foods. However, there are certain foods that should be avoided to prevent damage to your braces.
Foods to Avoid
- Sticky foods: toffee, gummy bears, chewing gum
- Crunchy foods: hard chips, pretzels, raw carrots
- Hard foods: ice cubes, nuts, hard candies
- Chewy foods: dried fruits, bagels, granola bars
- Foods that require biting: whole apples, corn on the cob, ribs
Additionally, refrain from chewing on hard objects like pen caps, fingernails, or ice, as these can damage your braces and prolong your treatment.
Loose Wire or Band
If you experience a loose wire or band, don’t worry—this can happen occasionally. Here’s what you can do:
- Gently push the wire: Use a blunt object, like the eraser end of a pencil, to gently push the wire back into place.
- Apply orthodontic wax: If the wire is causing irritation, place wax over it to protect your mouth.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair.
Rubber Band Wear
Wearing your rubber bands as prescribed is crucial for the success of your orthodontic treatment. Consistent wear helps your teeth and jaws move into their correct positions more effectively. Here are some tips:
- Follow the schedule: Wear your rubber bands as directed by your orthodontist, usually full-time, except when eating or brushing.
- Carry extras: Keep spare rubber bands with you to ensure you can replace them if they break or you misplace them.
- Replace regularly: Rubber bands lose their elasticity over time, so replace them as needed to maintain the correct force.
General Soreness
When you first get your braces, it’s normal to feel some soreness. This discomfort usually lasts a few days, and your teeth may be sensitive to pressure. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to help manage the discomfort. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue might also feel irritated as they adjust to the braces. We provide orthodontic wax to apply to the irritated areas of the braces to help soothe the discomfort.
Loosening of Teeth
During your treatment, it’s normal for your teeth to feel loose. This is a necessary part of the process as your teeth move into their new positions. After your treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize in their corrected positions.
Athletics
For individuals who participate in sports, it is important to protect the mouth and braces. We provide custom-fitted mouthguards to prevent injuries and ensure comfort during physical activities. These mouthguards are particularly important for those with braces, as they reduce the risk of injuries from brackets and wires. Please always let us know about your sports participation so that we can offer the necessary protection.