Home Care & Hygiene

Expect your teeth to be somewhat tender and sore the first few days after your braces are adjusted. Take over the counter pain medication to alleviate the discomfort if needed. It is common that you will feel soreness when eating, but the sooner you start chewing the faster you will adjust. 

Expect from time to time that your cheeks and lips may become irritated. If the rubbing or irritation becomes a problem, or an ulcer forms, use the wax that we provided you. Place the wax over the braces that are causing the problem. Make sure the area is dry before putting the wax in place. Pull off a small piece, roll it in a little ball, and stick it over the braces. You may also use warm salt water rinses three times per day. 

YES, YES, YES. You will need to continue to see your dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings and cavity checks. This is very important! If you are not maintaining good oral hygiene, we will ask you to see your dentist more often that twice a year. Please inform us well in advance when you have a scheduled appointment for your cleaning so we can coordinate this appointment with your orthodontic appointment. At times we can remove your wires beforehand for you to get a more thorough cleaning. 

EXAMPLES OF SOME FOODS TO BE AVOIDED WHILE WEARING BRACES: 

Soda, Sticky and Hard Candy, Popcorn, Nuts, Gum, Hard Corn Chips, Pretzels, Hard cookies o r crackers, and any other Sticky or Hard Foods. 

AVOID BITING INTO HARD FOODS WITH YOUR FRONT TEETH 

Cut or break up hard foods such as: Raw Fruits and Vegetables, Hard/Toasted breads, Corn on-the­cob, Meat. 

Sweets can be eaten but it is very important that you brush or rinse your mouth immediately after eating them. Sweets will cause damage to your teeth such as permanent white spots and decay. The worst of the sweets are sodas. It does not matter if the soda is diet or not, it will have the same effect on your teeth. We ask that you please stay away from soda during your orthodontic treatment. 

These types of foods can cause brackets to come loose or break. If you have a bracket come loose please let us know right away, as we want to be sure to have enough time to fix it during your regularly scheduled appointment. Some broken brackets can wait to be fixed, while others need to be repaired as soon as possible. 

 Remember to follow the NO EATS LIST. If a bracket comes loose, please call our office right away to inform us. We want to know about it ahead of time so we can decide if it needs to be replaced immediately or if it can wait until your next appointment. If you wait until the day of your appointment to tell us you have a bracket off, we may not be able to fix it as you will need a longer appointment time. Remember broken brackets will result in a delay in treatment! 

Remember your treatment time is estimated. No two people have teeth that move the same way in the same amount of time. Your cooperation is required. Treatment time will take longer if you do not maintain good oral hygiene and your regular dental visits. You must wear your elastics and wear your headgear and facemask so treatment is not delayed. Broken brackets and appliances can also prolong your treatment. Also missed appointments will delay your treatment time. 

Brush AFTER EVERY MEAL or snack using a soft toothbrush. Floss between all teeth at least once a day. Use ACT mouthwash at least once a day. Brush above and below the braces using a small circular motion. Take your time brushing, for at least 3 minutes. Watch the videos below for more details about the importance and technique of brushing and flossing with braces.