General discomfort can be expected during orthodontic treatment. The first few days after an adjustment are usually the most uncomfortable. We recommend swishing and rinsing with warm ‘salt water’ at home to help relieve any tenderness or irritation, (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of warm water). You will also be given orthodontic wax to apply to any part of your braces or appliances that may rub against your cheek. If the pain is more severe or prolonged, please call our office and we can discuss over the counter pain medication options.

“Don’t rush the brush!” It is critical to maintain optimal oral hygiene while going through your orthodontic treatment. We recommend thoroughly brushing after every meal and snack in order to limit plaque buildup, prevent cavities, and reduce gum inflammation. It is also important to see your family dentist regularly for your professional dental cleanings.

Tips for Brushing:

• Use a very soft bristled tooth brush with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Angle the tooth brush and make sure to brush every surface of the bracket
• Pay close attention to brushing along the gum line since plaque likes to accumulate between the bottom edge of the bracket and the gums
• ‘Proxy Brush’ can be used to loosen large pieces of food under the wires

Tips for Flossing:

• Specialized floss threaders and ‘Platypus’ flossers are designed to floss under the orthodontic wires and we will show you how to use them in the office

Specialty Fluoride Rinses and Tooth Paste:

• Fluoride Rinses – using these as your final step in your oral hygiene routine after brushing and flossing will help strengthen tooth enamel
• Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste – for patients who are at a higher risk for cavities we may recommend a higher dose Fluoride toothpaste such as ‘Clinpro’ or ‘Prevident’

Successful orthodontic treatment occurs when appliances and brackets stay securely in place. It is important to avoid certain habits and foods that can cause breakage or loosening of your orthodontic appliances.

Examples of Foods to Avoid:

• Chewy foods – bagels, licorice, pizza crust, French breads
• Crunchy foods – popcorn, chips, ice, hard candies including lollipops, thick pretzels
• Sticky foods – caramel candies, chewing gum, gummy candies

• Hard foods – nuts, hard candies
• Foods that require ‘biting into them’– corn on the cob, apples, carrots, meat on bones

Examples of ‘Brace-Safe’ Foods:

• Dairy – soft cheese, pudding, milk, yogurts, cottage cheese, eggs
• Breads – soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins with no nuts
• Grains – pasta, soft cooked rice
• Meats – poultry, tender meats, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood
• Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, beans
• Fruits – applesauce, bananas, fruit juice, smoothies, berries

Examples of Habits to Avoid:

• Chewing on Pencils
• Chewing on Ice
• Chewing Gum
• Nail Biting

We know our patients are multi-talented and we don’t want their orthodontic treatment to get in the way of participating in the activities they love. For our athletes, we offer recommendations for special orthodontic mouthguards to be worn during high impact sports.

For our musicians who play wind instruments we advise them that there may be some difficulty and frustration as they adjust to playing their instruments. We can assure you that with a little time and patience, it will become second nature.