Foods to avoid
- popcorn
- nuts
- ice
- chewing gum
- hard candy
- chewy candy
- pizza crust
- bagels and other hard rolls
- uncut crunchy vegetables and fruits
- hard crackers
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
What are those weird pieces of rubber in between my teeth?
Once the separators are in place, the patient will notice that they feel as though a piece of food is caught between their teeth. Usually within 4-6 hours after placement, the soreness from tooth pressure/movement will begin. The dull ache feeling will normally worsen over the next day or two, and will then subside. During those first couple of days, over the counter pain medication can be used to help with the pain. If a separator falls out, contact the office to see when you should come back in. If the appointment for banding is within a day or 2 it is unlikely you will need to return to the office before that appointment as the space has been made and the teeth are ready for the next step.
Spacers
How can I put the spacer back? Can I replace the spacer?
If you are comfortable doing so, you may replace any missing spacers if you still have them.
- The first step is to thread a piece of dental floss through the center of the separator.
- The next step is to double the floss back on itself.
- Repeat this with one more piece of floss. Hold one piece of floss on either side of the separator.
- Slide the floss between the teeth where the separator has come out.
- Pull the separator in between the two teeth.
- Keep a finger on top of the newly placed separator. Gently pull one end of a doubled back piece of floss out of the mouth. Repeat with the other side leaving the separator in between the teeth.
Oral Hygiene and Care is very important, always, but especially now
Flossing with Superfloss
6-month checkups are a must when in treatment!
If you are due please now to find an appointment that works best for you. Cavity clearances are required every 6 months to continue treatment.
At-home care is Super important:
- Brush and Floss after every meal
- Avoid high sugar foods and drinks
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Use lip balm for dry lips
OH No! Something Happened What do I do?
Keep wax handy! You can take a little ball of wax and place it on the braces wherever it is rubbing. This will help the braces not continue rubbing, poking or catching on sores so that they can heal. Sometimes a piece of the braces might break and the wax will keep it from hurting you until you can get to the orthodontist to fix the broken piece.
Wax can be picked up at your ortho visit or your local drug store
Wax Patient Comfort
Broken Bracket
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Start by assessing what damage has been done by checking to see if the wire is still attached to the bracket. If yes, then simply leave the bracket in place. If the bracket remains attached but is sticking out in a way that’s uncomfortable, simply press the bracket gently back into position using a cotton swab. Once you have the bracket back in place, apply orthodontic wax to hold it into position until you can make an appointment.
If the bracket has come loose entirely, carefully remove it from the wire and bring it with you to your next appointment.
Step 2: Make Yourself Comfortable
If a broken bracket has caused the wire of your braces to jut out and poke, prod, or cut your cheek or gums, you need to fix the problem so you remain comfortable until your next appointment. Start by taking a look at the wire and clip any overlong or protruding part very carefully using nail clippers. If any extra length of wire remains, gently press the wire back into position against the tooth and cover it with orthodontic wax to fix it into position.
Your comfort will always remain our top priority at The Super Dentists. If your braces ever cause you any prolonged discomfort, please contact our office for advice on how you can fix the problem.
Step 3: Text us to make an appointment at 1-844-765-1234
It’s important that you don’t wait until your next scheduled checkup to have your brackets repaired. How quickly you need to see the orthodontist does depend on the level of discomfort you’re experiencing and the degree of damage your braces have suffered. When you schedule your appointment, make sure to mention that damage has occurred and can describe the amount and type of damage your braces have suffered.
Step 4: What to do While You Wait
While you wait for your appointment, rinse your mouth with salt water to help promote better healing, and try to eat more soft foods, such as fresh bread, yogurt, soup, and hard-boiled eggs to avoid doing any further damage. Make sure to avoid any hard or crunchy foods, even those you can normally enjoy, until after having your braces repaired.
Broken Brackets
Poking Wires
If you have a true dental emergency and it is after normal business hours please call
ORTHODONTICS
(619) 432-0069
