THE CARE GUIDE FOR
Braces
First 24 hours
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You can eat any time after leaving our office, however, please follow the guidelines of suggested food
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Your braces are most susceptible to breaking in the first 24 hours
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Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods
What about discomfort?
*Use of Ibuprofen is not advised for patients undergoing accelerated treatment, for example, using periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics.
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Braces feel like they stick out at first, but this sensation will lessen with time
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Use orthodontic wax around brackets causing any irritation until cheek or tongue is used to their presence. Wax can be swallowed without harm to patient.
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If wax runs out, call our office for more. It may be purchased at a local drug store.
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You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after braces are placed that will dissipate over the course of a week
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Some teeth, usually in the front, may be tender with pressure
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Nonprescription pain remedies recommended and can be taken before discomfort begins
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Warm salt water rinses are suggested
HOW TO GUIDE FOR
Brushing & Flossing
1. Using interproximal brush
Clean Teeth with 4 steps in 15 -20 minutes after EVERY meal or snack
REPEAT on bottom teeth
What happens if I don’t take care of my braces properly?
DECALCIFICATION
GINGIVITIS
PERIODONTITIS
ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
2. Emergencies related to orthodontic appliances
FOOD CAUGHT BETWEEN TEETH
This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing patient.
It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss to help remove the food, or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.
PROTRUDING WIRE
Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth.
- Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth.
- If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax.
- The patient’s parent/guardian will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem so we can evaluate the urgency of the issue and schedule you to be seen accordingly.
In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome and the patient will not be able to see the orthodontist anytime soon, you may, as a last resort, clip the wire.
- Reduce the possibility of the patient swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area.
- Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire.
- Relief wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area.
MOUTH SORES
- Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores.
- While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces.
- This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable.
- Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab.
- A broken archwire, or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue, should be seen as soon as possible for replacement or adjustment.
- A removable appliance that is bent or not fitting well is not to be worn until it can be properly adjusted in our office. Call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
LOOSE BRACKETS, WIRES OR BANDS
- A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen in our office. If irritating, cover it with orthodontic wax.
- Call the office immediately when you notice a loose bracket so we can adjust your appointment. Failure to notify our office regarding a loose or broken appliance may make it necessary to reschedule your repair or postpone the planned treatment.
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