Your orthodontist uses braces to help you improve the look and feel of your smile! There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:
ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost, broken, or accidentally thrown away. If it’s not in your face…it’s in your case!!
Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Clean your clear retainers with dish soap. Do not use hot, boiling water, or the dishwasher.
During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears, Nerd Clusters), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, carrots, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.)
Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.
Braces do not often hurt; however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple of days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. We will show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.
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. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance. We have several types of mouthguards in our office that we can supply you with!