Braces 101
Braces 101
When your dentist recommends braces, it is common for many questions to come up in your mind. We have many of our patients asking us what changes braces can bring to their everyday lives. At Doral Dental Specialty Center, we have provided some key information about living with braces so that you will already know what to expect.
Brushing & Flossing
Once you get your braces, it becomes even more important to take your oral hygiene seriously. You should ensure regular brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums healthier during the treatment. If you don’t keep your teeth clean, you will be required to make more frequent visits to your dentist for teeth cleaning.
If you have gum disease, you may be required to see a periodontist during your orthodontic treatment. We suggest all our orthodontic patients see their general dentist twice a year.
Foods to Eat & Avoid
The first day after getting your braces, it is recommended to take only soft foods. You should avoid hard breads, tough meats, and raw vegetables. It is important to protect the orthodontic appliances for as long as you need to wear them. It is best to avoid the following foods:
- Chewy foods such as hard rolls, bagels, licorice, and pizza crust
- Sticky foods such as gum, caramels, starburst, and skittles
- Crunchy foods such as chips, popcorn, and ice
- Hard foods such as candy, nuts, and beef jerky
It is also recommended to avoid foods that need you to bite into. This includes apples, corn on the cob, and carrots.
Teeth Movement
You should expect teeth movement during the duration of the treatment using braces. It is a normal part of the treatment process. The teeth will loosen slightly so that they have room to move. The bone will soften so that the teeth can move without any damage. Once they have moved, the teeth will get fixed in their new and proper positions.
Sports Activities
If you engage in any kind of sports activities, we suggest that you let our dentist know during the initial consultation.
- It is recommended to wear a protected mouthguard when playing contact sports
- If your teeth become loose or the braces get damaged, you should immediately visit us
- If there is any accident, check your teeth and braces
Loose Wire/Band
If you experience any wire or band coming loose, there is no need to panic.
- If there is a protruding wire that is causing irritation, use a blunt instrument to gently and carefully push the wire under the archwire.
- If the irritation persists, place wet cotton or wax on the wire before calling our office for an appointment.
- If any pieces come off, save them, and bring them along to our office
Successful treatment is possible only when you follow all the instructions and recommendations made by our orthodontist. The desired movement of the teeth can be achieved only when you consistently wear all the appliances as prescribed.