Eating with Braces

Avoid:
Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
Sticky foods: caramel, gum
Hard foods: nuts, candy
Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Click our No No List for a detailed list of things to avoid eating

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe you can take your usual pain reliever. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can use wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!

How will you feel?

We offer outstanding comfort using the Damon System that uses a unique slide mechanism that reduces pressure on your teeth and allows them to move more comfortably to their correct positions. This revolutionary new approach to orthodontics ensures greater comfort throughout treatment. If you should experience discomfort your normal pain reliever should help.   It is difficult to predict how every patient will feel, but if you find that you experience discomfort more often, for maximum effectiveness, you may choose to take such medications before your appointments.

Loosening of Teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

In an effort to promote excellent oral hygiene and prevention of Orthodontic decalcification (white spots) Colgate Phos-Flur rinse is provided to each patient who starts treatment with our office. Phos-Flur rinse is an anti-cavity fluoride rinse that has been shown to be effective in the prevention of decay, it promotes remineralization and studies have shown that patients can experience up to a 58% reduction in white spots when using this product.

In addition to the fluoride rinse, each patient that starts treatment with our office will receive a rechargeable Oral- B VItality Floss Action toothbrush.

During orthodontic treatment it takes extra effort to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. If plaque collects around your  braces, it may cause: Inflammation, bleeding, cavities and discoloration. The Oral-B Vitality Floss Action rechargeable electric  toothbrush uses advanced sonic technology to drive CrissCross™ bristles nearly 20,000 times per minute. The Vitality Floss Action reduces plaque effectively and removes surface stains with advanced sonic technology and has a two minute  timer, to encourage proper brushing time. In addition to the standard brush head, our patients will receive the Oral -B  Ortho head, designed with a special tufting pattern that thoroughly cleans and gently removes plaque from the teeth. As  you change your brush head every three months, you can purchase replacement brush heads at any local drug store.

Athletics

If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. If you would like a mouthguard, please talk to any member of our team. We provide mouthguards to our patients at no cost. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness. 

Loose Wire or Band

Don't be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This happens occasionally. If wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office. 

Problems and Solutions and Repair Appointments

You may be able to solve some problems with your applainces until you can contact our office at 850-244-3880 to schedule a repair appointment. 

• For a loose bracket or band that is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. For a loose wire, try to place it back in the slot with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If uncomfortable, place wax on it.
• For a poking wire, try to push the wire down with a spoon or eraser. If not possible, place wax on it. If your appliance does not fit, is lost or broken, be sure to call us. Dr. Neale is available after hours; just follow the voice mail prompts when you call our office and Dr. Neale or a staff member will return your call promptly.