Adapting to your Braces:
The day your braces are placed you will be given an orthodontic care pack with different tools in it to help you keep your teeth clean and adapt to your braces.
You will need to spend more time cleaning your teeth and planning meals.
Basic Oral Hygiene Instructions:
- Floss your teeth everyday.
- Brush teeth after every meal and snack. Make sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including above and below the braces and along the gum line. Always use a soft toothbrush.
- Use the proxy brush (cone shaped brush) to get the areas between and next to the brackets (regular toothbrush cannot reach those areas.)
- Continue to see your dentist regularly. Get an exam every year and a cleaning done at least once every six months.
- Cut down or eliminate drinks and foods with sugar in them. Sugar contributes to tooth decay.
Things to avoid:
Your braces are very delicate and care is needed to prevent damaging them.
Do not bite on hard things like nuts or ice.
Avoid things like corn on the cob and popcorn.
Do not eat sticky foods like taffy or caramel.
Slice whole fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots into small pieces before eating.
If you have any questions about caring for your teeth and braces, please ask and we will be happy to answer.
