Now, you have braces but how do you take care of them? It’s important to maintain your braces throughout the entirety of your orthodontic treatment.

EATING WITH BRACES 

Before you resume eating the snacks you love, it’s important to avoid the foods that could damage your new appliances. .

  • chewy foods
  • crunchy foods
  • sticky foods
  • hard foods

  • dairy
  • breads
  • grains
  • meat
  • poultry
  • seafood
  • vegetables
  • fruits

SORENESS

Typically, your teeth and mouth will feel tender after receiving braces. To alleviate discomfort, dissolve one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of lukewarm water, swish and gargle the solution for 2 minutes, then spit it out. If the pain is severe and continues after rinsing, take a pain reliever.

Often, the lips, cheeks and tongue become irritated for 1 or 2 weeks as they adapt to braces. To minimize tenderness, we’re happy to provide wax to apply over the braces.

LOOSE TEETH 

Don’t worry if your teeth begin feeling a little loose after treatment. Braces must loosen your teeth in order to move them into position. Once repositioned, your teeth will no longer be loose.

LOOSE WIRES & BANDS

In the event that the wires and bands on your braces come loose, contact us as soon as possible so that we can repair the appliance. If any piece of your appliance becomes detached, save it and bring it to the office with you.

To temporarily fix loose wires, use the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully push the wire back into place. If it’s causing lip or cheek irritation, apply wax or a wet cotton ball to the broken wire to relieve discomfort.

MAINTENANCE

Damaged appliances increase the length of the treatment process. Take care of all your appliances! Teeth and jaws can only be repositioned with the consistent use of the appliances prescribed by your orthodontist.

SPORTS

Patients can still participate in sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment! Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. In the event of a sports emergency, immediately check your mouth and hardware for damage. If any teeth are loose or the appliance is damaged, contact us immediately. Temporarily relief is achievable by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.