Your Complete Guide To Life With Braces
So you just got your braces on, the dentist gave you a half hour speech about how to take care of them going forth, you go home and you forget everything!? Don’t worry, we have your complete guide to braces here just in case you need a refresher!
Treatment Time And Co-operation
Our #1 goal is to give you your perfect smile and bite in the shortest amount of time possible, but to do this we need your help! Keeping your scheduled appointments is the 1st and most important thing. Delaying your appointments will also delay the length of your treatment time. Ideally your orthodontic visits should not exceed 4-6 weeks unless otherwise specified by your dentist. By keeping your appointments and following the in-home instructions given by the dentist, it will ensure your treatment time will go faster with better results. We are confident you will be thrilled with your new smile and we are anxious to help you achieve it. Just remember the final outcome is as much our responsibility as yours.
What To Expect And Remember
* With braces it will take you longer to care for your teeth. Give yourself extra time in the morning and night to properly brush and floss (with floss or floss threaders). It is also a good idea to carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste wherever you go in case you have something to eat that might get caught in your braces.
* In the first few weeks of placement you will feel some tooth discomfort. Also throughout the stages when the dentist needs to tighten your braces or move specific teeth, you may experience transient pressure or discomfort. Your lips and cheeks may become irritated until they get used to the new braces. Orthodontic wax will keep the area smooth until your tissues “toughen-up”.
* If you have a bracket fall of or a wire come out of place, and the wire is poking your cheek or gums, please call your dentist and have them replace or cut it to prevent any trauma in your mouth leading to a delay in your orthodontic treatment.
Food
* It is normal to experience some discomfort while eating and chewing, as teeth become sensitive during orthodontic treatment. If the discomfort become too much, you can take an Advil or Tylenol.
* Eating soft food in the first few weeks is also recommended such as soups, smoothies, bananas, yogurts, etc.
* Chewy and sticky foods are not recommended as they will get caught in your braces and if not removed properly they could cause cavities. These can include taffy, gum, gummy candies, caramel, and raisins
* Hard foods should be broken down when eaten so they don’t put too much stress on your teeth when chewing. These can include apples, carrots, nut etc.
* Try to avoid hard candy, mints and sugary drinks. Processed sugars are very harmful to your teeth and health.
* Try to brush your teeth after every meal to avoid having food stuck in your braces, or at least rinse with water after each meal.
Oral Hygiene
Unlike in the past, braces are now much smaller and less painful. Thanks to the advances in dentistry, braces and the wires that attach to them are more patient and user friendly. The most crucial thing to remember when wearing braces is keeping up with your oral hygiene.
If a patient with braces has poor oral hygiene, it will not only cause gum problems, but tooth scarring can occur if teeth are not properly cared for. We will keep an eye on your oral hygiene at each of your orthodontic and dental hygiene visits, and will discuss with you any problems we may see. Seeing your dental hygienist more often is also highly recommended with braces.
You should be brushing every morning and every night and after each meal, to avoid any food being stuck in between your braces. Remember, poor oral hygiene will delay your orthodontic treatment, so it is crucial these guidelines are followed.