All About Braces
The day you begin treatment we will go over everything you need to know when it comes to
caring for your new braces.
The biggest question we get is: “What can’t I eat with braces?” - we ask that you avoid eating
hard, sticky or chewy foods. Yes, this includes popcorn, skittles, starbursts and taffy. When it
comes to hard foods it is best to avoid biting into an apple, bagel or carrot with your front teeth.
Instead, cut hard foods into bite size pieces. Eating hard foods can break the brackets and wires
and sticky foods often get stuck between the wires and brackets. It is especially important to
brush well after eating or drinking anything sugary as sugar can cause tooth decay. It will all be
worth it in the end when you can show off your amazing new smile!
Here are some common foods to AVOID:
Popcorn
Nuts
Sticky or Hard Candy
Taffy
Gum
Chewing on Ice
Types of foods you SHOULD eat!
After getting your braces, and occasionally after adjustments, your teeth may feel a little sore or
sensitive. Softer, cold foods can work wonders on braces-related soreness. Here’s a few of our
favorites that we recommend:
Yogurt or Pudding
Ice Cream
Pasta/Noodles
Soup
Mashed Potatoes
Applesauce
Once your brackets and wires are in place, you will need to pay close attention to your oral hygiene. It is important to brush after each meal, or three times a day, for at least two minutes each time. When brushing, be sure to brush all the parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth - the fronts, sides, backs and along your gum line. We also recommend that you floss daily with dental floss or orthodontic flossers to remove any food particles. By following these simple guidelines your teeth will be sure to shine when your braces are removed.
Common Problems
There are few true orthodontic emergencies and braces are pretty sturdy and comfortable these
days, however, should an occasional mishap arise, you may be surprised to know that you will
be able to temporarily solve a problem until you can be seen in your Fremont or Omaha
orthodontic office.
Here are some tips and tricks for common orthodontic issues:
Broken Brackets - If a bracket has come off, call our office and place the bracket in a plastic
bag and bring with you to your next appointment for us to replace. If your bracket is loose and
sliding along the wire, still give our office a call and place a piece of wax on the bracket to keep
it from sliding and causing irritation.
Poking Wires - If you have a pesky wire that has started to poke into your cheek, you can try
using the eraser end of a pencil to bend it out of the way to ease the discomfort. After drying the
wire, place a piece of wax over the end to stop the wire from poking. If you wire has slid to one
side and you are not able to get it back in place with tweezers or needle-nose pliers, you may
clip the wire with clean nail clippers and contact our office to replace it. If all else fails, and the
wire continues to poke, give us a call so we can help you out.
Irritation - It may take some time for your mouth to adjust to your braces. If you experience lip
or cheek irritation from the brackets or wires, we recommend you rinse with warm salt water and
use wax. Irritation is normal and should resolve on its own within a week.
General Soreness/Sensitivity - Once you get your braces you may experience some
tenderness, pressure or soreness. This normal and generally subsides within a few days.
Softer, colder foods help. You may also take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) but try to avoid taking
Ibuprofen as it can actually slow the movement of the teeth.