My braces are on, now what?
Now that you have your braces, it is very important to take care of them. It’s important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
Don’t worry; you'll be eating and snacking on treats that you love in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances, such as things that are really sticky and really hard. So it is pretty simple, when you eat be mindful that you have braces on your teeth and avoid things that are sticky, such as Jolly Ranchers, and things that are hard, such as ice cubes.
Sore spots and soreness caused from braces and appliances
When you first get your braces, you may notice sore spots develop or your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal for patients who have just gotten their braces put on, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! We recommend that you try taking something that you would take for a headache, such as a pain reliever like Tylenol. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We are happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry because this is normal. Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position and then after they have been repositioned and settled, they will no longer feel loose.
Take Care of your Appliances
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, retainers, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Playing Sports with Braces
If you do play sports, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Brushing
• Brush 4 times a day; morning, noon, dinner & bedtime
• Brush under, above, behind and around ALL surfaces of the teeth AND braces
• Brush inside and outside of both top and bottom gums
• Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing, rinse with Listerine mouth rinse at least one time per day
• Use a soft toothbrush, brush slowly, and take your time!
• See your dentist regularly for routine cleanings while you wear braces
Use a soft toothbrush. Start brushing on the upper right. Brush above and below the braces using a small circular motion. Slowly work your brush toward the front teeth and over to the left side. Then brush the insides and biting surfaces. Take your time!
Starting on the right side, brush the outside of the lower teeth. Using the circular brushing motion, brush above and below the braces until the teeth and braces are sparkling clean. Move the brush slowly toward the front and left side. Then brush the insides and tops of teeth.
Flossing
Insert floss behind archwire. Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with an up-and-down motion. Floss between all teeth once a day.
Minimize Sugar Intake
Eat less - candy, ice cream, cookies, foods with sugar, cake, pie
Drink less - soda, drinks with sugar
Avoid chewing - pens, pencils, fingernails
Problems and Solutions
You may be able to solve many braces problems temporarily by yourself until you schedule a repair appointment with our office. These problems need not cause delay in your treatment. Some emergencies can wait until your next appointment and most emergencies can wait until the office reopens.
Loose Bracket or Loose Band
If the bracket or band is still attached to wire, leave it in place. If uncomfortable, cover with wax. If it comes out completely, wrap brace or bracket in tissue and bring it with you to the next appointment. Call for an appointment. Do NOT connect elastics to a loose band.
Lost Tie Wire or Elastic Tie
Please call to ask if an appointment is necessary. Notify the assistant at your next appointment.
Wire Out of Tube
Try to place wire 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 any discomfort, place wax on it.
Rotated Archwire
Try to slide wire back around to the other side. If unsuccessful, place wax on wire and call for an appointment.
Poking Tie Wire
Try to bend wire back with a spoon or pencil eraser. If unsuccessful, cover with wax and call for an appointment.
Poking Archwire
Cover with wax or wet cotton or clip the wire with a nail clipper. Call for an appointment to have this repaired.
Soreness from Braces
Rinse mouth with warm salt water. If necessary, take the pain reliever that you would use for a headache or similar discomfort, such as Tylenol. Soreness may be expected for up to a few days after an orthodontic adjustment.
Accidents Involving the Teeth
Call your dentist or orthodontist immediately.
Emergency care
You may contact our office 24 hours a day by calling one of the offices. Information will be provided where Dr. Kryn or a staff member may be reached. If the patient is experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 directly.
Dr. Nathan J. Kryn, DDS, MSD
Raleigh - (919) 277-0788
Cary Green Level - (919) 589-0270
KRYN ORTHODONTICS