Caring For Braces
EMERGENCY CARE FOR BRACES
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to solve many problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment.
If your braces are poking you, put soft wax on the piece that’s sticking out. If the wire has slid to one side, you can pull it back to the other side with needle-nosed pliers, replacing it in the tube on the back tooth.
After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your treatment plan.
GENERAL SORENESS
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chew. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash.
Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) actually slow the tooth movement, so it is not advisable to use them frequently while wearing braces.
The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
POKING WIRE
A series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. They have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
LOOSE APPLIANCE
A series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. They have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
LOOSE BRACKET
A series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. They have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
LOOSE WIRE
A series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. They have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
LIFE WITH BRACES
PLAYING SPORTS WITH BRACES
Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you must stop doing the things you love - like playing sports. Playing sports is a great way to promote overall health, and wearing braces shouldn’t hinder activity.
Taking precautions to ensure that your teeth, mouth, and braces are protected when playing sports is important, so always wear a mouthguard when you are physically active.
An orthodontic mouthguard fits between the mouth and teeth and it is designed to absorb any jolting impact to the mouth. Choose from a variety of mouthguards at your local pharmacy or let us fit you for a custom mouthguard at Ivory Dental.
EATING WITH BRACES
You can still enjoy many of your favorite foods with braces, but be aware that there are some types of foods that you’ll have to cross off your list while receiving orthodontic treatment. Avoid any type of foods you have to bite into like apples or pears. Also, hard, sticky, crunchy and chewy foods are off-limits because they can cause damage to your appliance. Foods that are of a softer consistency, like pudding, yogurt, bread or fish can be enjoyed with ease.
Foods to Avoid
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Popcorn
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Nuts
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Bagels
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Taffy
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Chewing Gum
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Chips
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Hard Candy
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Corn on the Cob
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Apples
Foods You Can Enjoy
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Tuna
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Salmon
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Bread
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Smoothies & Shakes
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Pancakes
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Pasta
Ask your orthodontist for a full list of foods you can enjoy while wearing braces.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR APPLIANCES
Did you know that poorly maintaining your appliance can increase your orthodontic treatment time? It is important to have your braces repaired and maintained throughout your treatment to avoid extended treatment times and unnecessary discomfort.
HOW TO BRUSH WITH BRACES
Brushing with braces is very much like brushing your teeth without braces, but with a little more care. Like normal, it is recommended that you brush twice per day and after each meal.
Use a soft bristle brush or an electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste to gently brush and remove food particles between brackets and under the wires for two full minutes.
If you notice any large food particles still stuck in your braces, rinse your mouth with water and swish to dislodge them. Remember to change your toothbrush every three months and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to fight tooth decay.
3 WAYS TO FLOSS WITH BRACES
One of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums is floss. And, flossing while wearing braces is even more critical because food can easily get trapped between your teeth and brackets. Ensuring that your teeth are particle-free after each meal helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease while wearing braces. Here are some ways you can floss:
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Traditional flossing (use a floss threader to make it easier)
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Use an oral irrigator or water flosser
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Orthodontic flossers
We provide every patient with an initial oral hygiene kit that includes the appropriate brush and flossing aids. We also include an oral care guide that explains how to maintain proper oral hygiene at home.
We know! Choosing the right dental and orthodontic care tools and supplies can be overwhelming, so if you need assistance ask us, we will help you select the right products.