Taking Care of Your Braces

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ImageOrthodontics: Taking Care of Your Braces

Your First Few Days: There might be some general soreness of the teeth and mouth. Usually this is not enough to interfere with your daily routine, but if tenderness is severe, Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is the safest form of pain reliever for children but please consult your orthodontist or dentist first. Avoid harder foods that require chewing while the teeth are tender so stick to soft, nutritious foods such as pastas, soups, etc. This is usually worst on the first few nights after braces are first placed and then resolves. The teeth may even appear loose which is a normal reaction so Don't Panic. Teeth must loosen first so they can move but they will firm up again.

Eating and Braces

Things You Cannot Eat or Chew

Protect your braces by avoiding the hard foods (some examples are mentioned below). Loose braces or bands are not only uncomfortable but may also delay your treatment. Examples of Things You Cannot Eat or Chew...Ice: Can break your bracesPizza Crust: Bends the wiresCorn Chips/Pretzels: Bends wires and loosens brackets.Sticky Lollies/Candy/Bubblegum: Pulls off wires and can cause decay (unless sugarfree).Nuts/Popcorn: The shells get caught between the gum and bands.Pens/Pencils: Can break braces and bend the wires. Corn On The Cob: Cut the corn off the cob before eating to avoid damage to braces.Apples/Carrots: (and other hard vegetables/fruit) Cut up before eating.

Sports

Mouth Guards

Braces won't interfere with most sports. You should always wear a mouthguard for contact sports. A tight fitting custom mouthguard may interfere with moving the teeth unless specially designed and manufactured. Discuss what is best for your individual case with your orthodontist or dentist.

Broken Appliances

Loose Wires Or Bands

If a wire or band comes loose, do not be alarmed. If a wire is protruding and irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of a spoon, eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the wire out of the way if possible. Wax or wet cotton wool may be placed over any irritating areas to protect the lips, cheeks and tongue.

Co-operation

Care of Teeth and Appliances

Successful orthodontics is a result of the technical competence of the orthodontic team, the co-operation of the patient and good communication between us. Good co-operation and care of your appliances allows us to achieve the best results in the shortest period of time for you. It is very important you keep your teeth and gums very clean so check them regularly. Thorough brushing, flossing and regular use of a fluoride rinse (available from your orthodontist or dentist) reduces the risk of cavities and decalcification (white marks).