Orthodontics Info
Braces Are a Big Step
You’ve taken a big step by having braces put on. You’re now officially on the path towards a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s an exciting time, but it also comes with a bit of a learning curve.
As you get used to your new orthodontic treatment, you may need to make a few adjustments, but it’ll become second nature before you know it.
Care & Maintenance
Brushing with braces can take some getting used to. Maneuvering around brackets and wires takes a little practice.
Be sure to brush thoroughly after every meal or snack, so any food particles are removed before bacteria has a chance to grow. If you’re not able to brush right away, rinsing your mouth with water will help until you can get to a toothbrush.
Follow these tips for the best results:
Use a fluoride toothpaste with a soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush.
Braces wear toothbrushes out quickly, so be sure to replace yours as soon as it begins to show signs of wear.
Brush around every part of your braces, as well as every surface of your teeth.
Look for clean and shiny braces, with the edge of the brackets clearly visible. Fuzzy-or dull-looking metal indicates poor brushing.
Floss every night before you go to bed. Tools like floss threaders and waterpiks are helpful if you’re having difficulty with getting a good floss underneath the wires.
Soreness
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth won’t be sore forever. To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water.
Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If your pain is severe and doesn’t go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It’s normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces.
We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
Eating with Braces
Don’t worry, you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time. However, before you enjoy some of the treats you love, you’ll need to avoid any foods that could damage your new braces.
There are also a few oral habits you’ll want to steer clear of to keep your braces functioning perfectly. Chewing on objects like pens and ice cubes, biting your nails, and smoking can all cause unwanted pressure on your braces. Do your best to find another way to keep yourself busy while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Common Ortho Situations
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
More Resources
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to our most commonly asked orthodontic questions
What to do in an emergency
Ortho emergencies are rare, but it’s important for you to know how to handle them
Ortho Appliance Care
Here are some tips for taking care of your braces