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  Life With BracesAlthough you may feel like you have a mouth full of appliances, you are wearing the smallest, most comfortable braces available. Smile and be happy, you are on your way to a Simply Spectacular Smile. Your great smile is a project that requires your active participation, cooperation and yes even some lifestyle adjustments. But the rewards are worth it! General Soreness When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressure for 3-5 days. Rinsing your mouth with a warm, saltwater mouthwash can relieve discomfort. Dissolve 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. If tenderness is severe, take whatever pain reliever you normally use for a headache. The lips, cheeks and tongue may be a little irritated for a short time as they toughen and become used to your new braces. You can use the orthodontic wax to help with this. We'll show you how! 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, correct positions.  Eating with BracesFor the first day or so you may find it a little awkward eating, but patients quickly adapt to eating with their appliances. In the beginning you may want to stick to soft foods, avoiding tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables. Before long you will be able to bite a cucumber again. However, you may have to adjust your diet to avoid certain foods that can damage your braces. Eating the wrong foods can bend and distort wires, pull cement loose or even break small brackets, causing treatment delays and extra visits for repairs.
 Good Regular Dental CareOnce you start orthodontic treatment you must keep your teeth and gums healthy. This may require a little extra effort, but it is not difficult and well worth the effort. Remember to brush at least twice a day, rinse and make sure your teeth and gums are spotless. Using the Prevident Toothpaste we provide in your Orientation Bag gives an extra boost to your home dental care. In addition to the regular brushing you do after eating, you will need to use the special proxy brush we provide to clean beneath your archwires and between brackets. There also is the special threading tool that helps get dental floss under the wire and between your teeth. If you ever need reminders on how to use these tools, just ask Dr. Frey or one of our orthodontic technicians for a refresher course. Each time we see you, we will check your dental hygiene and make suggestions for improvements if necessary. During your orthodontic treatment, continue to see your family dentist at least twice a year for your regular checkups and cleanings. We are working together to achieve your healthy, beautiful smile. Patients that don't keep their teeth clean can develop cavities and permanent stains on their teeth. Their gums can become sore and swollen without regular brushing. If sticky plaque accumulates around the braces, tooth enamel may weaken, causing ugly white spot lesions on the permanent teeth. These will be very noticeable after the braces are removed and may require costly dental repairs by your family dentist. No one wants to have a fantastic, straight smile after their braces are removed, only to have it marred by cavities and unsightly white spots. Remember, we are here along with your family dentist to show you the best way to take care of your teeth, but YOU have to do the work! Back to Top |
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