Caring for Your Braces
Foods to Avoid
- Hard Foods: Hard candy, nuts, raw vegetables such as carrots (cook slightly first)
- Sticky Foods: Sticky candy such as caramel and taffy and non-sugarfree gum
- Chewy Foods: Bagels and chewy candy such as licorice
- Crunchy Foods: popcorn, ice, hard chips such as Doritos and Cheetos (Lays, Pringles, and Cheese Puffs are all okay)
- Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob (cut the corn off first) and apples (slice first)
Reeces Peanut Butter Cups, chocolate without nuts, ice cream, milk shakes, jello, pudding, cake, cookies without nuts are all okay to eat with braces
Limit your intake of sugar filled beverages such as soft drinks, Gatorade, juice, etc. to 1 per day and do not sip on these beverages for long periods of time. If you are drinking for long periods of time such as between classes or during sports, please drink water.
Dental Visits
It is imperative that you see your dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and checkups for children and teens. We recommend that adults see their dentist every 3 months for cleanings. Small cavities cannot be detected with our x-rays. We want you to maintain the best oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Brushing
Brushing instructions will be given at the intial bonding appointment. Use a soft bristle tooth brush and a floss threader for flossing. It is important to brush after every meal with braces to keep your gums and teeth healthy throughout treatment. Here is a quick video to show you the proper way to brush with braces: Brushing Techniques with Braces
Orthodontic Emergencies
| Problem: | Solution: |
| Loose Bracket or Band: | If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place until you can come in at a convenient time to have it repaired or taken off. Please call to let us know during office hours as soon as you notice the loose band or bracket. If it is uncomfortable, place wax or sugarless gum on it. If it comes out completely, please place in a napkin or ziplock bag until your appointment. |
| Loose wire: | Try to place the wire back in the bracket with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If there is any discomfort, place wax on it. |
| Poking Wire: | Try to push the poking wire down with the back of a spoon or an eraser. If not possible, place wax on it. |
| Lost elastic tie or tie wire: | Notify us at the next appointment |
| General Soreness: | Use warm saltwater to rinse and/or Tylenol or Ibuprofen |
| Loose appliance: | If appliance is poking, place wax on it and please call to schedule an appointment during office hours. |
| Headgear does not fit: | Discontinue use and please bring to your next appointment. |
| Lost Separator: | Please call our office to determine if it is necessary to have it replaced. |
Office Emergency Number: 512-826-1312
