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Treatment Instructions

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

You may notice a plastic taste when you first get your retainer. This will go away within a few days. Soaking the retainer in mouthwash should help. Your speech may also be affected, but this will also improve within a few days.

BRACES ‘YES FOODS’:
  • Bananas
  • Sliced apples
  • Thin Crust pizza
  • Thin chips, such as pringles or thinner corn chips
  • Ice cream, sorbet
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Yogurt – frozen or fresh
  • Softer nuts such as cashews, pecans, and walnuts
TOOTH BRUSHING AND CAVITY CONTROL

Brush up on your oral care.

Your braces attract food and plaque, which can lead to cavities and stained teeth if not brushed away. Here are tips for proper cleaning and the best results:

FREQUENCY

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed. If you’re able, brush after every meal.

TECHNIQUE

Brush only two to three teeth at a time with medium pressure. Once you have cleaned the teeth, gently work the bristles of the brush between the wire and braces with a rotating motion, one to two teeth at a time. Don’t forget to clean the edges of the gums, too. This is where cavities and puffiness can thrive. End by brushing the tongue side of each tooth and your tongue. Proper brushing should take three to five minutes, so take your time to avoid missing any areas. Play your music and brush for the length of a song!

FLOSSING

Flossing should be done after you feel confident with your brushing frequency and technique. Please ask us during your appointment to show you how to floss with braces. There are super flossing aids available, such as FlossAid, that are designed to work with braces on your teeth.

AFTER BRUSHING

Examine your work. Do your teeth look clean? If not, brush again. At nighttime, after brushning, apply fluoride gel to your brush and brush on all teeth. Avoid drinking or eating after the gel is applied, as this will reduce the gel’s effectiveness. Keep appointments at your dentist’s office for regular cleanings at least every four months.

SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS

Many favorite sodas and sports drinks contain a large amount of acid. Acid causes decalcification of the tooth enamel. This is the same way cavities are formed. The acid in sodas and sports drinks can magnify and oftentimes even be the primary cause of white spots that occur on the front surface of the teeth. Minimize sugary and carbonated drinks. If you do drink soda or sports drinks, swish your mouth with water to remove the acid from your teeth.

Treatment Instructions