Regular Cleanings

You will need to see your primary dentist every 3-6 months for cleanings as this is NOT part of the treatment that we provide.  Many dentists prefer the wires be removed for the cleaning appointments.  This makes it easier for the hygienist to perform a thorough cleaning.  In this case, the appointments need to be coordinated at least 8 weeks in advance.

• You will need a 10 minute appointment to remove the wires.
• You will go to your scheduled cleaning at your general dentist’s office.
• You will return to our office for a 20 minute regular adjustment appointment to replace the wires.

All of these appointments can be done in one day if planned enough in advance.  Ideally, we would like these three appointments to occur in no more than three days. (The above sequence of appointments would also apply to other dental procedures – such as fillings or extractions.)

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.  This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash.  Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously.  If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.  The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces.  You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces.  Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

Loosening of Teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved.  The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.

Care of Appliances

The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as instructed.  Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing & Flossing

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces.  Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning.  Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Athletics

A protective mouth guard is advised for playing contact sports.