You have your braces, so how do you take care of them?  During your orthodontic treatment it is important to take care of your braces.

Eating with Braces

You will be able to eat most foods with your braces!  It is important to remember that braces can be damaged. Below is a quick guide to help you get started marking the right food decisions for your new braces.

Braces may cause soreness

During the first couple of weeks after your braces have been placed, you may feel some tenderness or soreness. The soreness won’t last long. Most cases of soreness don’t require any medication. We recommend using a mixture of salt and water, preferably about 1 tablespoon to 8 ounces of water. Then gargle and swish the salt water solutions for about 30 second (do not swallow the water).

If rinsing doesn’t help feel free to take a pain reliever. If you are under 18 years of age please consult a parent or guardian. Sometimes the braces and appliances will cause the tongue to become tender as well. If your tongue is very tender and it just doesn’t stop bother you, please let us know as we have a wax remedy that can lessen this irritation.

Don’t worry loose teeth are normal! In order to properly realign your teeth the braces must first loosen your teeth. You see, not a big deal. Accidents happen, we understand this too. So if your teeth are loose due to sudden and unexpected fall or random elbow to the mouth, please consult with us immediately to ensure no damage has been done to your teeth, braces, or appliances.

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.

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 mouth guard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouth guard for the best protection.

In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.

Brushing your teeth is even more important when you are wearing braces. Food can get stuck on your braces and cause staining, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some suggestions on when and how to brush your teeth . . . Type of Toothbrush: You can use any brand of toothbrush you like, but it should have lots of soft bristles. Change you toothbrush often, no less than every three months. Toothbrushes are cheap compared to cavities. If you prefer to use an electric toothbrush, that is fine. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric is a personal choice. Properly used, either is effective. If you choose an electric, remember that the brush heads need to be changed as frequently as a manual toothbrush, so keep several spares on hand. A worn out head is ineffective and will not remove plaque properly. Type of Toothpaste: Any toothpaste that has fluoride is satisfactory. You should choose a toothpaste that will motivate you to brush. Avoid frequent use of whitening toothpaste. Flossing: Flossing while you are wearing braces is more difficult, but well worth it. You will need a floss threader in order to floss more easily. You can get these at any drugstore. But remember, the most important step in good oral hygiene is to brush a lot. Frequency of Brushing: Brush at least five times a day following this schedule: