Effective Brushing and Flossing
Maintaining impeccable oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic journey. Neglecting proper cleaning may necessitate additional dental cleanings. Particularly, adults with a history of periodontal issues should consult with a periodontist while undergoing orthodontic care. We recommend viewing our instructional videos on braces care for detailed guidance.
Orthodontic Care Videos by Elite Orthodontics, San Diego, CA
Nutrition and Braces
Understanding what to avoid eating is as crucial as knowing what you can eat. Initially, favor soft foods to ease your transition. Stay clear of hard, chewy, or crunchy items that might compromise your braces. You will soon enjoy firmer foods again, albeit with caution to safeguard your orthodontic appliances throughout treatment.
Foods to Sidestep
- Chewy items: such as licorice
- Crunchy snacks: like popcorn and ice
- Sticky substances: including caramels and chewing gum
- Hard edibles: such as nuts and hard candies
- Bite-necessitating foods: like corn on the cob, whole apples, and uncut carrots
Avoid gnawing on non-food objects since this can damage your braces, potentially prolonging your treatment.
Dealing with Discomfort
Initial brace fitting may lead to general mouth soreness and sensitive teeth for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can alleviate discomfort. Your mouth’s soft tissues might need time to adapt to the braces, during which wax can be applied to any bothersome brackets.
Natural Teeth Movement
Teeth loosening is a normal and essential part of the orthodontic process, allowing them to shift into their new positions. They will stabilize once your treatment concludes.
Addressing Loose Wires or Bands
If you encounter a loose wire or band, don’t panic—it’s a common issue. You can temporarily reposition a protruding wire using a pencil eraser or similar object to mitigate discomfort and cover it with wax if needed. However, it’s crucial to contact our office promptly for a necessary adjustment.
Commitment to Rubber Band Usage
Orthodontic success hinges on patient cooperation. Adherence to wearing rubber bands or utilizing prescribed appliances is essential for progress. Non-compliance or appliance damage can extend your treatment duration, so we encourage following all guidance diligently.
Sports Participation
Athletes with braces should inform our team to discuss the options of appropriate mouthguards for protection during contact sports, ensuring both safety and ongoing treatment integrity.
