Dos and Donts with Braces
Imagine the Future of a Beautiful Smile!
The provided information is here to help you with your new smile experience. We here at Brooks Orthodontics want to make your time in treatment as smooth as possible. Please use these materials to understand your braces and how to have great oral hygiene.
Foods That Will Damage Your Braces
Avoid Eating
- Hard Foods: Hard foods such as candy, apples, bacon, ice, etc. can damage or bend wires, loosen the cement under the bands, and break the little brackets and tubes that are attached to the teeth.
- Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can damage appliances by bending wires and pulling cement loose.
- Food High in Sugar Content: Avoid acidic foods whenever possible. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately. If you are not able to brush, then always rinse with water after eating.
Do Not Eat:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Ice
- Lemons
- Corn on the cob
- Chips
- Hard taco shells
- Taffy
- Caramels
- Pizza Crust
- Gum
Braces and Hygiene
Decalcification
This chemical reaction can lead to permanent white scars etched into the tooth enamel due to improper hygiene. There is nothing that can be done to reverse this damage once it has developed. In order to prevent decalcification, please be sure to apply all of the oral hygiene instructions presented.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a must when wearing braces. Topical fluoride helps protect the tooth enamel from decalcification.
Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after fluoride treatment.
Be sure to visit your general dentist every six months for dental needs and cleanings.
Problems and Solutions
You may be able to solve many problems with your braces temporarily by yourself until you schedule a repair appointment with our office. We don’t want these problems to cause delays in your treatment.
Tools and Supplies:
- Non-medicated orthodontic wax
- Dental floss
- Small, sharp clipper
- Q-tips
- Salt
- Interproximal brush
- Toothpicks
- Topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora Gel)
Loose Band or Bracket
If a band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it is causing discomfort, place wax on the bracket/band. If it comes out completely, wrap the band/bracket in a plastic bag and bring it to your next appointment.
Loose Wire
Try to place the wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with a fingernail clipper behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If there is any discomfort, place wax on it.
Wire Poke
Try to push the sticking wire with tweezers or an eraser to tuck it back beside the bracket. If that is not possible, place wax on it.
Patient Procedures
On Deck
The “On Deck” bench in our clinical area is reserved for patients awaiting their appointment.
Check In/Check Out
Due to HIPAA regulations, infection control measures, and exposure to X-rays, we ask that all friends and family members remain in the reception area until the patient is escorted to the front desk for check out.
Questions
We understand that you may have questions regarding your child’s treatment. Please direct any questions to the front desk and someone will assist you.
Thank you for allowing us the privilege of providing orthodontic treatment to your family!
