Your Braces

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You will be surprised at how little time you will need to adapt to your braces. The following information will help you know what to expect.

During the initial adjustment period, patients may experience minor discomfort. This can be expected during the first week of having your appliances (braces) and after your regular adjustments. Your teeth will become sore, especially when you bite down. Common pain relievers, such as Advil®, Aspirin, or Tylenol® will help. Eating softer foods during this time is advised.

Take only as Directed. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. If you are under age 18 consult with a parent or guardian before you take any medication.

If the wire or band is poking, cover it with wax to make a smooth surface temporarily, and call us to schedule a time to come in as soon as possible.

Mouth Sores occasionally develop as your mouth is adjusting to your braces. Rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt in 8 oz. warm water), will be soothing until the irritated areas "toughen up."

Mobility of your teeth is expected as your teeth begin to move, they may sometimes feel loose and mobile. It is a normal but strange sensation, and in some cases you may feel your teeth becoming mobile off and on throughout treatment.

Regular dental Check-ups must be maintained with your family dentist during our treatment. Regular cleanings are especially important while wearing braces, and the frequency of check-ups will vary among patients. Generally, its at least every 3 to 6 months. More frequent cleanings may be needed for those individuals with periodontal disease (gum) problems.

A Fluoride Rinse should be used every day for extra protection against permanent marks (decalcification)

It is important that you brush after every meal and snack, using the recommended toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush every surface of the tooth, as well as the gums and gum lines. This will help remove harmful bacteria and food particles that can injure and damage your teeth.

	Redness, puffiness, soreness or bleeding means you have to brush and floss more!!!!
	Plaque is a yellowish buildup on teeth and braces. Good brushing, a mirror, and disclosing tablets will help you keep your teeth and braces clean.
	Brush at least 3-times daily, and you should brush for no less than 3 minutes each time. There is no rush, taking the time to brush will help prevent future problems later. Develop good brushing habits.

	Stimulate gum tissues by pointing the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum.
	Keep your brackets and bands nice and shinny.
	Angle your brush so that you can clean under your wires.
	Brush with water occasionally so you can see what you are cleaning.
	Check after yourself with the small mirror we gave you.
	Use your pink tablets to make sure you are cleaning effectively.
	See your family dentist regularly between checkups. We advise you have your teeth cleaned no less than every six months while in braces.

Flossing Your Teeth

Flossing is very important because it is very effective at removing plaque that can hide between your teeth and gums. It is important to remember that brushing alone is not enough to win the constant battle against cavities and gum disease.

Irrigating Devices Can Help

An oral irrigator uses water to help clean areas that might have been missed by your toothbrush. It is very useful in removing debris from under fixed appliances such as palatal expanders and other devices.

Avoid Hard, Sticky Foods that may damage the appliances or bend the wires. For example: ice, hard pretzels; gum; hard candy; beef jerky; pencils; popcorn; nuts; suckers and pizza crusts.

Cut up some foods into bite-size pieces before eating, such as carrots, celery, buffalo wings and steak.

Avoid habits that will break braces or appliances; nail biting, chewing on pencils or pens, and pulling or picking on your appliances.

	If you damage your braces, this can delay your treatment time. If any of your braces become loose or broken between visits, please call our office as soon as possible.
	Do not wait until your next appointment to tell us about a broken appliance since it may require more time to repair than we have scheduled for you.

If you ever have any questions or problems, please feel free to contact the our office by

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You can page me directly from this site, by clicking on the "pager Icon". You must have my (P.I.N.) pager number before completing a page. You will be given the pin number at the beginning of treatment.