Make sure you brush 3-4 times a day and floss once per day!
Technique is everything. Little circles are much better than a sawing motion.
Make sure to brush above and below the braces (along the gum line is where most white spots can form and permanently scar your beautiful, straight teeth!).
Flossing is best at night when you have extra time and it removes all food from the day.
You can use the pre-threaded flossers designed for braces to make it easier.
Waterpiks are great for those who are less than perfect flossers (not a substitute).
Discomfort
Braces are like a new pair of shoes; they take some getting used to, but will feel comfortable shortly.
Discomfort felt in the teeth is from the pressure of the wires or separators and can be treated with headache medicine (Tylenol or Advil) according to the labeling instructions.
Sores and discomfort felt by the tongue, lips or cheeks may require wax on the braces to cushion the sore area for a few days while it heals.
Roll and warm the wax up in a little ball with your fingers and then gently press over the bothersome bracket.
A warm saltwater rinse (1/4 tsp salt with 8oz warm water) can soothe irritated cheeks and gums.
Emergencies and Broken Brackets
Accidents and injuries to the mouth involving broken jaws, displaced or knocked-out teeth, need to be seen right away by your orthodontist or dentist.
There are few real emergencies with orthodontics, but if you have any questions, please contact our office or visit our Ortho Emergencies page.
Extreme pain is NOT a part of orthodontics (tenderness or soreness is normal) and you should contact the office immediately if you feel something is painfully not right.
Usually, broken brackets are not an emergency, but please call our office and we will tell you if it can wait until your next appointment or if it should be fixed right away.
Multiple broken brackets can increase treatment time so please address this problem with us as soon as possible!
If something should happen to come off and fall out of your mouth, please save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
Don’t forget to get your teeth checked and cleaned by your regular dentist every 6 months while you have braces! We recommend scheduling an appointment with us before and after your dental appointment to remove and replace your archwires.
