While receivng orthodontic treatmnet, you might have to make some changes to your diet. For the first few days, stick to soft foods as you may experience soreness. You should avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables. Even though our braces and wires are metal and ceramic, they are fragile and can be damaged by eating the wrong foods, thus taking us longer to find your treatment.
Foods to Avoid
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum, tootsie rolls, starburst, etc.
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candy, bagels, hard rolls
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
- Chewing on hard things
- Pens, pencils or fingernails can damage the braces
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater mouthwash. If the tenderness is severe, take ibuprofen or your usual medicine for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to relieve this.
Don't worry! It's normal and expected throughout treatment. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions once treatment is complete.
If band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, save the brace or bracket and bring it to your next appointment.
If a wire comes loose, try to place it back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If there is any discomfort, place wax on it.
To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with Dr. Burns. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances may lengthen the treatment time.
It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. We will coordinate wire removal with your regular hygiene appointment and will re-insert your wires afterwards. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call us at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.
