Instructions for Orthodontic Patients:
Your orthodontic work represents an investment by you in your future oral health and well-being. It is important to realize that the following Do’s and Don’ts were designed to insure the success of your orthodontic treatment. You may experience some discomfort or soreness in the beginning (3 or 4 days), but if you follow these instructions carefully, you should have no real difficulty.
Remember, dirty teeth and gums cause decay, mouth odor, and an unsightly appearance. Develop the habit of brushing after a meal or snack. It does take more time to clean teeth when wearing braces. Always check in a mirror after brushing to be sure your teeth are clean. The most important place to brush is the part between your braces and gums. You will be shown how to use dental floss to clean between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Do’s
1. Brush and rinse your teeth after all meals and snacks.
2. Floss every night
3. Swish with fluoride at night after brushing.
4. Keep cotton or wax handy to cover any part of appliance, which may irritate cheeks, gums or lips. If soreness persists, call the office.
5. If an appliance breaks or becomes loose, contact the office immediately.
6. Soft foods and Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil (1-2 tablets every 6hrs.) can relieve discomfort
after an adjustment.
Don’ts
1. Do not play with wires or parts of braces. Keep fingers, pens, pencils etc. out of mouth.
2. Do not chew gum.
3. Do not eat sticky or hard candies such as: Starburst, taffy, Jolly Ranchers, Now and Laters, etc.
4. Be careful when eating certain foods – cut meat off bone, cut corn off cob, etc.
5. Do not chew on ice cubes.
