Current Patients

Eating With Braces

We understand that adjusting to life with braces can be challenging, especially when it comes to your diet. During the initial days, opt for soft or easily mashed foods. You can still enjoy delicious options like pancakes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bananas, apple sauce, and more. Remember to savor soups, cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, pasta dishes, and indulge in ice cream. Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods to prevent damage to your braces.

Consider some food hacks to make your meals more braces-friendly. Soften vegetables through cooking, cut corn off the cob, and slice apples into bite-sized pieces to safeguard your brackets.

While braces are resilient, they require care to prevent damage. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as they can jeopardize your brackets and archwires. When in doubt about a particular food, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist.

Emergency Care

In case of urgent situations that require immediate attention, contact your orthodontist or local emergency medical services.

We’re here to assist you with orthodontic emergencies. Fortunately, there are DIY solutions to manage discomfort until you can visit our office for a permanent fix. Orthodontic wax can help with loose brackets and wires that irritate your cheeks or lips. You can gently push poking wires back in place using a blunt object or the eraser end of a pencil. Always remember to schedule an appointment to address the issue permanently.

Expect some discomfort when starting your treatment, as your teeth will be shifting. You may experience soreness and the sensation of loose teeth. Over-the-counter pain relief and saltwater rinses can alleviate the discomfort. If pain persists for more than 5 days, consult your orthodontist.

Bite Bumps – Speeding Up Treatment

For certain bite issues, your top teeth may come into contact with the braces on your lower teeth, potentially damaging them. To prevent this, we use temporary build-ups called “Bite Turbos” on the lingual or backside of your front teeth. We also use “Bite Props” on the biting surface of your rear teeth.

You might notice that your teeth aren’t touching fully. During this time, favor softer foods that are easier to chew. If the bite bumps come off or you encounter any issues, please contact our office.

Elastics

What are they?

“Elastics” are tiny rubber bands that apply specific pressures to your teeth, assisting in ways braces alone cannot. These elastics are attached to hooks on your braces or Invisalign trays and should be worn as instructed by your orthodontist.

What if your elastics break?

Don’t worry; you can easily replace them with new ones. It’s a good idea to keep spares on hand. If you run out, contact our office, and we’ll provide you with more. While elastic breakage isn’t common, it can happen if they are overstretched. Repeated incidents may necessitate a change in elastic size, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Good Brushing

Start by rinsing your mouth with water before brushing your teeth. This helps loosen any food particles around your brackets. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, angling it at 45 degrees to the gumline. Brush each bracket from the top down and reposition the toothbrush to cover the other side. Remember to use a circular motion for effective cleaning.

Parents should supervise their children’s brushing routines, especially when they are still adjusting to brushing with braces.

Cleaning Between Teeth

Flossing remains crucial for maintaining oral health. Flossing with braces can be challenging, but a floss threader can make it easier. Soft picks can also help clean between your teeth. Consider using mouthwash for extra cavity protection. Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential. Children, even with braces, should see their dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.