Caring For Your Braces:
Loose Brackets
Loose brackets are not considered an emergency unless they are causing discomfort. If a bracket or band becomes loose call the dental office before your next scheduled visit so they can arrange enough time to reattach it. Without prior notice, they will not have enough time to reattach the bracket. If a wire breaks or slips either cut the loose wire with a pair of wire cutters or cover the sharp end with some of the orthodontic wax provided to you.
Soreness
It is not unusual for there to be soreness for 24-48 hours after the braces have been placed. If necessary, you may give a pain reliever. Most patients however, tolerate the soreness and consider it a part of orthodontic treatment.
Brushing, Brushing, Brushing
It is extremely important that you brush your teeth, gums, and braces after each meal. Otherwise, gum disease, permanent discoloration and tooth decay may result. Swollen, inflamed gums interfere with tooth movement and will prolong your treatment.
Loosening of Teeth
This is to be expected throughout orthodontic treatment. A tooth cannot move unless it is slightly loose. Do not be concerned as all teeth will tighten after treatment is complete.
Sports
It is very important that you wear an athletic mouth guard while you have braces. Our office has special orthodontic mouth guards that will protect your teeth and still allow your teeth to move.
Eating
Be careful of the foods you eat while wearing your braces. Hard foods can bend your wires and loosen your brackets. Avoid eating foods such as hard nuts, sticky foods like chewing gums and caramels, hard candy, raw carrots, corn on the cob, apples, hard pizza crusts and other such hard foods. The basic rule is if you cannot crush it between your thumb and finger, it is too hard to eat!
Now This Is An Emergency!
We consider a true emergency to be any orthodontic problem that is causing severe pain, swelling, or an inability to eat.