Taking Care of Your Braces

Braces are placed on the teeth with a special adhesive that is strong enough to endure most normal eating habits but they are not indestructable and brackets can come loose from your teeth. This is why we ask you to avoid certain foods. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Sugary foods cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.

Compliance

If your treatment requires you to wear headgear, rubber bands, retainers, and/or other appliances, COMPLIANCE IS KEY! Your teeth and jaws can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear these appliances as directed by your orthodontist. Non-compliance can result in longer treatment times.

Click here to read more about the proper care of your appliances.

Playing Sports with Braces

You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.

Playing Musical Instruments with Braces

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities.

Brushing Your Teeth with Braces

When you have braces its very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

Brushing: Step 1

Using a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste place bristles where gums and teeth meet.

Brushing: Step 2

For 10 seconds on each tooth use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines.

Brushing: Step 3

Every tooth of both arches should be brushed slowly.

Brushing: Step 4

Brush the lower teeth from the gum line up and the upper teeth from the gum line down. Brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue too!

Flossing: Step 1

Carefully thread unwaxed floss between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.

Flossing: Step 2

Carefully floss around the braces.

Flossing: Step 3

Carefully floss around the gum areas.

Flossing: Step 4

Carefully floss around each tooth.