|
This information should not be substituted for any advice given to you at our office.
Some cases will require slightly different care, so if you were told something different than the advice on this page, always use theadvice provided by our staff.
Caring for your Teeth and Braces
You will be shown how to properly care for your teeth and braces when your orthodontic treatment begins. Proper cleansing of your mouth is necessary everytime you eat. Teeth with braces are harder to clean, and can trap food very easily. If food is left lodged on the brackets and wires, it can cause unsightly decay on the enamel on your teeth.
Your most important job is to keep your mouth clean.
When food or sugary substances are allowed to remain on your teeth, your teeth will decay and the symptoms of gum disease will appear. Your gums will appear puffy, red and will bleed when brushed or flossed. Poor oral hygiene will slow down tooth movement, just as exceptionally good oral hygiene can help you finish treatment more quickly.
Brushing
You should brush your teeth after eating, at a minimum of three times daily for at least three minutes each.
- Brush back and forth across and between the wires and gums on the upper and lower teeth to loosen any food particles.
- Next, brush normally, as if you had no brackets or appliances on.
- Then, start on the outside of the uppers with the bristles at a 45 degree angle toward the gum and gently brush in a circular motion two or three teeth at a time using ten strokes, then move on.
- Next, do the same on the inner surface of the upper teeth.
- Then, go to the lower teeth and repeat..
Note: If your gums bleed when brushing, do not avoid brushing, brush more! Be sure to angle your toothbrush so that the area under your gum line is cleaned. After 3 or 4 days of proper brushing, the bleeding should stop and your gums should be more healthy.
Flossing
Use an electric flosser or floss threaders to floss with your braces on. It is very important that you floss thoroughly at least once everyday!!!
Retainer Care
If your retainer is clear plastic without wires, you should clean it gently by wiping it with a damp washcloth. You can also clean it periodically in a denture cleanser, be sure to use cool/warm water only, as using hot water can distort the thin plastic material your retainer is made from. Do not brush it with a toothbrush, as it will scratch and dull the retainer. This type of retainer does not need to be kept wet.
If your retainer has wires, you can clean it by brushing it gently with your toothbrush and toothpaste. When you are not wearing your retainer, it should be kept in the case with a little water to keep the retainer wet or the shape may change. Do not “flip” the retainer in your mouth as it will break.
Elastic Wear
Wear elastics (rubber bands) all the time, unless otherwise directed. If elastics are worn intermittently, they can cause soreness and will not achieve the necessary correction. Sore teeth between appointments usually indicate improper wear of elastics or inadequate hygiene. Wear your elastics correctly, attaching them as you were instructed. Take your elastics off while brushing. Change elastics as directed, usually three or four times daily.
Eating with Braces and Orthodontic Appliances
Avoid Sticky Foods such as:
|
|
|
Caramels
|
Skittles
|
|
Candy bars with caramel
|
Starbursts
|
|
Fruit Roll-Ups
|
Toffee
|
|
Gum
|
Gummy Bears
|
|
Candy or caramel apples
|
|
|
|
|
|
Avoid Hard or Tough Foods such as:
|
|
Pizza Crust
|
Ice cubes
|
|
Nuts
|
Bagels
|
|
Hard Candy
|
Popcorn Kernels
|
|
Corn Chips
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cut the following foods into small pieces and chew with the back teeth:
|
|
Apples
|
Pears
|
|
Carrots
|
Celery
|
|
Corn on the Cob
|
Chicken wings
|
|
Pizza
|
Spare Ribs
|
|
|
|
Patient and Parent Tips & Tricks
If you have a tip or trick that helps you during treatment, please e-mail it to us!
We may use your suggestion and send you a fun gift to say thank you!
“Carnation French Vanilla instant breakfast drink mixed in a blender with peanut butter and banana is a great meal for a sore mouth”
“Tylenol or Advil taken before the adjustment appointment helps a lot!”
|
