Brushing and Flossing
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial with braces to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. Braces can complicate brushing and flossing, requiring adjustments to your routine. Patients who neglect their oral care may need more frequent professional cleanings. For adults with a history of gum disease, seeing a periodontist during treatment is advisable.
Tips for Effective Brushing and Flossing:
- Brush Regularly: Aim to brush after every meal to remove food particles and plaque.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: This helps prevent damage to your braces and gums.
- Floss Daily: Special orthodontic floss or floss threaders can make this easier.
- Rinse with Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria.
For detailed guidance, watch the two informative videos below.
Eating with Braces
A common question is, “What can I eat with braces?” Here’s what you need to know. After an adjustment, stick to soft foods such as smoothies, scrambled eggs, and creamy pasta for the first day. During this time, avoid hard-to-chew items like steak, crunchy bread, and raw vegetables.
As you adjust, you’ll be able to enjoy more diverse foods, like tender chicken or cooked veggies. Remember to protect your orthodontic appliances throughout your treatment by choosing foods that won’t damage your braces and maintaining mindful eating habits.
Foods to Avoid:
- Chewy Foods: Bagels, tough rolls, licorice
- Crunchy Foods: Nuts, ice cubes
- Sticky Foods: Chewing gum, caramel candies
- Hard Foods: Hard candies, crusty bread
- Foods Requiring Biting: Apples, raw vegetables like celery
Cutting foods into smaller pieces reduces strain on your braces. Avoid sugary foods to prevent plaque and cavities. Also, steer clear of hard objects like pens or fingernails to avoid damaging your braces, which could extend your treatment and lead to extra appointments.
Loose Wire or Band
If you notice a wire or band coming loose, there’s no need to panic. Here’s what to do:
- If a Wire Is Irritating: Gently use a blunt object (like the eraser end of a pencil) to push it back into place. Only attempt this if orthodontic wax doesn’t alleviate the discomfort.
- If Irritation Persists: Use additional wax or a small piece of wet cotton to minimize irritation. Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Loosening of Teeth
It’s normal for your teeth to feel loose during treatment. This is a natural part of the process as your teeth shift into their new positions. While it might be concerning, your teeth will stabilize once the treatment is complete.
Rubber Band Wear
Successful orthodontic treatment relies on your cooperation. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to wear rubber bands or other prescribed appliances as directed consistently. Failure to follow instructions or damaging appliances can prolong your treatment time. Please adhere to all guidelines to ensure optimal results.
Tips for Rubber Band Wear:
- Wear as Directed: Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for how often to wear the bands.
- Replace Bands Regularly: Use new bands as needed to ensure they remain effective.
General Soreness
After getting braces or an adjustment, it’s normal to feel some soreness and tenderness in your teeth and mouth for about 3 to 5 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol, can help manage this discomfort. You may also experience irritation in your lips, cheeks, and tongue as they adjust to the braces. Using orthodontic wax, which we provide, can alleviate irritation and provide comfort during this adjustment period.
Athletics
If you’re involved in sports, it’s important to let us know so we can provide a protective mouthguard. This will help safeguard your braces and teeth during contact sports. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent injuries and ensure your treatment progresses smoothly.
