Helpful Hints

 
 
 
 

ORTHODONTIC SELF HELP GUIDELINES

Our office has given a great deal of thought to your care, including using the latest, most technically advanced and patient friendly bracket. Of course, clinical innovations alone will not assure your beautiful smile and improved self-confidence. Your treatment must include good eating habits and good oral health.

Be careful about the types of food you eat and the manner in which you eat them. And most important, keep your teeth and braces extra clean. This quick reference guide is to help you achieve a SUPERSTAR Smile!

DIET & EATING HABITS

A well balanced diet, minimizing sweets and sugared beverages is important. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods should not be eaten to avoid damaging your braces, which could ultimately lengthen your treatment time.

Stay Away From Hard Foods Like:

  • Popcorn
  • Corn Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Nuts
  • Ice (chewing)
  • Hard Candy
  • Peanut Brittle
  • Pizza Crust
  • Corn-on-the-Cob
Hard foods may do damage by bending wires, loosening cement under the brackets and bands or breaking the little brackets and tubes which have been attached.

Also avoid these bad habits:
  • Chewing on Pens or Pencils
  • Biting Fingernails
Avoid Sticky Foods Like:
  • Taffy
  • Licorice
  • "Gummy" Candy
  • Caramel
  • GUM
  • Dried Fruits
  • Fruit Roll-Ups
Sticky foods damage appliances by bending wires and pulling brackets or bands loose.

Brush/Rinse Immediately After Sweets Like:
  • Candy
  • Ice Cream
  • Cake and Pie
  • Soda Pop
  • Cupcakes
  • Presweetened Cereals
  • Shakes and Malts
  • Cookies
High sugar foods increase the likelihood of plaque build-up. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately afterwards. If you cannot brush right away, always rinse your mouth with clear water after eating sweet foods.

EAT WITH CARE

Carrot sticks-cut into thin curls

Apples-Slice into small wedges; don't bite into an apple.

Hard Breads-take small pieces; chew carefully.

Pizza-take small bites; avoid eating the crust.

Meats-Cut into mini bites and chew carefully.

Crackers and Biscuits-take small pieces; chew carefully.

Peanut Butter-soft only; never eat "chunky" style.

A careful orthodontic patient can probably eat almost any food and do no damage to his or her appliance, however, use common sense or, if you are in doubt, ask our team.

FOODS TO INCREASE CALCIUM AND VITAMIN C

  • Milk
  • Orange Juice
  • Broccoli
  • Yogurt
  • Apple Juice
  • Papaya
  • Cheese
  • Grapefruit
  • Melons
Calcium and Vitamin C are very important to healing bone and collagen that were affected by the movement of your teeth. Consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients daily will also help maintain healthy gums.

TOOTH BRUSHING & ORAL CARE

Braces tend to trap food and bacteria (plaque) on teeth. Unless this plaque is removed, damage to teeth and gums can occur. Therefore, tooth brushing instructions given to you by our team should be followed carefully.

When to Brush
A good regimen is to brush when you get up in the morning, within five minutes after you eat (each time) and when you go to bed. We suggest you carry a travel type or folding toothbrush with you.

How to Brush
First brush back and forth between the wires and gums (both upper and lower) to loosen food particles.

Next, brush correctly as if you had no braces:
  1. Start on the outside of the upper teeth. With bristles angled at 45 degrees, brush in a circular motion, two or three teeth at a time for about 10 strokes; then move on.
  2. Brush the same way on the inner surfaces.
  3. Brush the chewing surfaces last.
  4. Then start on the outside of the lower teeth and repeat the process.
  5. Rinse your mouth and your toothbrush. Check in a mirror to see if you missed any places.
  6. Double check the spaces of teeth between the brackets and gums and between the molar tubes and gums to make sure they are clean and free of debris. You should have brushed all 4 sides of each bracket.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
You may be able to solve many problems with the braces temporarily by yourself until you schedule a repair appointment with our office. These problems need not cause a delay in your treatment.

PROBLEM

SOLUTION
Loose bracket If a bracket is still attached to the wire, leave in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, wrap the bracket in tissue.
Loose or broken wire Try to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If you have any discomfort, place wax on it.
Poking wire Try to push sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If possible, place wax on it.
Soreness Use warm salt water rinses and/or Tylenol, or Ibuprofen.

If you feel you are unable to handle the problem on your own,
please contact us