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 LIFE WITH BRACES
Adjusting to Braces
For the first few days after braces or wires are placed, the teeth are usually tender and sore. The discomfort can be relieved with ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter medication. The lips, tongue, and cheeks may also be sore for the first one to two weeks as they adjust to the surface of the braces. Placing wax over the braces as  directed will help relieve the discomfort. Rinsing with warm salt water will also speed up the adjustment process. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinse for thirty seconds twice per day.
Eating with Braces
After braces are placed or wires are changed, it is normal for the teeth to be sore for a few days and feel slightly loose. During these first few days, it is best to eat soft foods. After the discomfort subsides, patients can return to a normal diet with a few limitations.
Foods to Avoid:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice, tough meats, etc.
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, hard pretzels, etc.
- Sticky foods: gum, gummy bears, caramels, Skittles, etc.
- Hard foods: nuts, candy, etc.
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots, pizza crust (instead, cut them into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth)
- Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils, or fingernails) can also damage the braces. Damaged braces will lengthen treatment
Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth with Braces
Brushing and flossing regularly is an important component of achieving a successful orthodontic result. Food tends to accumulate around braces, especially near the gum line. If the teeth are not cleaned as directed, stains, cavities, or gum problems may develop. After the braces are placed, instructions will be given in brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene will be monitored as well during treatment and, if necessary, recommendations will be made for improvement. Even while under the care of an orthodontist, it is essential to continue to see a regular dentist at least every six months during treatment.
Please read through the short clips below for proper brushing and flossing instructions.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing Your Teeth with Braces
When you have braces it’s very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.
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Brushing: Step 1
Using a dry brush with a small amount of
toothpaste place bristles where gums and
teeth meet. |
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Brushing: Step 2
For 10 seconds on each tooth use circular,
vibrating motions around the gum lines. |
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Brushing: Step 3
Every tooth of both arches should be
brushed slowly. |
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Brushing: Step 4
Brush the lower teeth from the gum line up and the
upper teeth from the gum line down. Brush the roof
of your mouth and your tongue too! |
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Flossing: Step 1
Carefully thread unwaxed floss between braces
and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful. |
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Flossing: Step 2
Carefully floss around the braces. |
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Flossing: Step 3
Carefully floss around the gum areas. |
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Flossing: Step 4
Carefully floss around each tooth.
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Loosening of Teeth
During orthodontic treatment, it is normal for teeth periodically to become loose as they are repositioned. In fact, teeth must loosen or become mobile prior to being moved. The teeth will lose this mobility after tooth movement has slowed or after braces are removed.
Loose Wires and Bands
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Take Care of your Appliances
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Playing Sports with Braces
Game, Set, Match – we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance.
In case of an accident involving the face or teeth, check the mouth and the appliances. If appliances are damaged, call the office for an appointment. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. If a hospital visit is unnecessary but the injury has resulted in tooth or jaw pain, tooth loss, tooth mobility, tooth movement, a change in the bite, significant swelling, etc., please call the office immediately.
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