At Brooks Orthodontics Studio, we are dedicated to ensuring that your experience with braces is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you need to know to maintain a healthy smile throughout your treatment.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing are very important when you have braces, as they help in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Since braces can make it difficult to clean your teeth, it is important to adapt your oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing help prevent the buildup of plaque, which can otherwise result in cavities or gum disease.
Tips for Effective Oral Hygiene with Braces:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush after every meal to remove food particles.
- Floss at least once a day using a floss threader or an orthodontic flosser.
Patients with a history of gum disease should also visit a periodontist during treatment to maintain optimal oral health.
Watch the videos below for tips on proper oral hygiene with braces.
Eating with Braces
One of the most common questions we receive is about which foods are safe to eat with braces. During the first few days after getting braces or following an adjustment, it’s best to stick to soft foods to prevent discomfort. As time goes on, you can slowly reintroduce more solid foods, but it’s crucial to be mindful of protecting your braces.
Foods to Avoid
To protect your braces, avoid the following:
- Chewy foods: taffy, gummy candies, chewy bread
- Crunchy foods: chips, raw vegetables, nuts
- Sticky foods: toffee, bubblegum
- Hard foods: hard candies, ice cubes
Additionally, refrain from chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, or fingernails, as they can cause damage to your braces and potentially lengthen your treatment time.
General Soreness
It’s common to experience soreness in your mouth and tenderness in your teeth for 3-5 days after getting braces. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as Tylenol, can help alleviate this discomfort. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated as they adjust to the braces. We provide orthodontic wax to place on the braces to reduce irritation and make the adjustment period more comfortable.
Managing Discomfort:
- Apply orthodontic wax to the braces to soothe irritated areas.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve soreness.
- Stick to soft foods if your teeth are sensitive.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t be alarmed if your teeth feel loose during treatment. This is a normal part of the process. Teeth need to loosen to move into their correct positions. Once the braces are removed, your teeth will settle into their new positions.
Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band becomes loose, it’s a common occurrence and nothing to panic about. If a wire is causing discomfort, gently push it back into place with a blunt object like the eraser end of a pencil. If irritation persists, use orthodontic wax or a wet cotton ball to cover the wire until you can visit our office for repair.
Temporary Solutions for Loose Wires:
- Push the wire back into place using an eraser or cotton swab.
- Apply orthodontic wax to the affected area for comfort.
- Contact our office to schedule a repair appointment.
Rubber Band Wear
Your cooperation is essential for successful treatment. It is crucial to wear the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed by Dr. Brooks to achieve the desired results. Consistent use ensures that your teeth and jaws move correctly, helping to keep your treatment on track.
Athletics
If you are involved in sports, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your braces and your mouth. Please let our office know if you participate in any sports activities. We offer specifically designed mouthguards that fit over your braces to protect your teeth and braces from injury. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent damage to your braces, reduce the risk of injuries to your lips and cheeks, and prevent more serious dental injuries.
