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PATIENT INFORMATION
What Can I Eat While Wearing Braces?
 At
Johnson Orthodontics, we feel that getting used to braces also means making a few adjustments in your eating habits. You can eat just about anything, but there are some exceptions. Here is a list of items that your orthodontic team suggests you avoid (or some ways you can eat with caution):
▪ Apples (don't bite into a whole one! Cut it into wedges first.)
▪ Bubble gum (sugarless gum is alright)
▪ Candy (caramels, taffy, nut brittles, fruit-flavored chewy candies, break off brackets)
▪ Carrots (avoid sticks, cut into thin curls)
▪ Corn on the cob (remove the kernels from the cob, then enjoy!)
▪ Corn chips/crisp tacos
▪ Hard foods (they're tough on braces, causing bending and breaking)
▪ Ice (no crunching!)
▪ Lemon juice/lemons (pure lemon juice is very hard on your tooth enamel)
▪ Nuts
▪ Pizza crust/crusty breads (outer edges)
▪ Popcorn
▪ Pretzels (the large, hard varieties)
▪ Sticky foods (can bend wires and pull off brackets)
▪ Sugary foods and especially soda (avoid these as much as possible; if you do eat/drink them, brush your teeth within minutes ,as soon as possible, or at least rinse your mouth with water)
For more information about how we can help you with dental braces, call us at (719) 596-3081. We will be happy to talk with you.
Orthodontic Care With Braces - What Dr. Johnson Suggests...
When your mouth is loaded with extras -- bands, brackets, and wires -- brushing your teeth gets tougher and extra important. Plus, braces interfere with the natural chewing process that normally bathes, exercises gums, and helps clean teeth.
At
Johnson Orthodontics, we feel caring for your teeth and keeping them cavity-free is a top priority during orthodontic treatment. While proper-fitting bands or brackets usually protects the covered portion of your teeth, the brackets and wires on the outside of teeth make it harder for the toothbrush to clean between teeth.
Trapped food particles and plaque are a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. Dr. Johnson often note that gum disease also can develop, causing swelling and making cleaning even more challenging and painful. Improper care can also stain tooth enamel.
 "Dr. Johnson, how often should I brush my teeth?"
Preferably brush within five minutes after you eat anything, whether you're snacking or after a meal. Brushing away cavity-causing bacteria helps keep your teeth cavity-free.
Carry a travel toothbrush in a backpack, purse, or briefcase to always have one on hand for brushing away from home.
"How do I brush my teeth with braces?"
Brush between wires and gums to loosen any food particles. There are special toothbrushes for this, check with us for recommendations.
At
Johnson Orthodontics, we suggest you start on the outside of your upper teeth, positioning the bristles at a 45 degree angle, toward the gum. Brush two to three teeth at a time using a circular motion, about ten strokes.
Next, brush the inner surfaces in the same manner and than brush the chewing surfaces.
Repeat the same process for the lower teeth as for the upper ones.
Rinse your mouth as well as your toothbrush. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure you've brushed all tooth surfaces.
Floss daily between braces using a floss threader.
Toothpicks, stimudents, and other interdental devices work well under brackets.
At Dr. Johnson's office, we often suggest you use a water oral hygiene device that helps to remove food particles the toothbrush may not reach. It is used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as a substitute.
While wearing braces, be sure to schedule regular dental exams every three to six months for cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
General Soreness
 When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
Loosening of Teeth
This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new — corrected — positions.
Loose Wire or Band
Don't be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
Care of Appliances
 To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.
For more information about how we at
Johnson Orthodontics can help you with dental braces, call us at (719) 596-3081, we will be happy to talk with you. |
