Soreness after visits
After the intial placement of braces or following an adjustment, you will likely feel some discomfort, soreness or your teeth may be tender to biting pressures. Generally, discomfort will last 3 to 5 days. To relieve pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight onces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle the solution in your mouth for a few minutes (do not swallow the solution).

If the pain is more severe, or is not relieved after rinsing, you can also try taking an over the counter pain reliever. It is also common for your lips, cheeks and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. Placing wax over the braces will reduce the irritation. Please call our office and we will be happy to provide you with orthodontic wax.

Brushing
You will notice that it is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food can get caught around the brackets and wires and between your teeth, and can only be removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque remains on the teeth for any length of time, it will leave a permanent white scar on the surface. Brushing after meals should become part of your daily schedule. Use a soft toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth; brush in small circles above and below the brackets. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray. Electric toothbrushes, Waterpiks or hydrofloss irrigators are also recommended.

Retainers and removable appliances
Always wear your appliance as recommended. It may be removed while eating, swimming, or playing vigorous sports activities. Your new appliance may make your teeth sore for a day or two after the intial fitting, or after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums call our office so that we can adjust the appliance. Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with warm soapy water. Denture cleansers may be used in moderation.

Foods to avoid
The following foods should be avoided during your treatment:

Hard foods
Hard foods can break brackets, loosen bands, and bend wires.
Apples or Carrots (unless cooked or cut into small pieces)
Ice - Do not chew on ice!
Nuts
Corn on the Cob
Popcorn
Hard Candy
Peanut Brittle
Bagels
Jerky
Hard Pretzels
Pizza Crust

Sticky foods
Sticky foods can also break brackets, loosen bands, and bend wires. Avoid sticky foods such as:
Taffy
Caramels
Gummy Bears
Any sticky candy in general

Foods high in sugar content
Foods high in sugar content cause bacteria in your mouth to start producing acids which can cause permanent stains and damage to your teeth. If you do eat sugary foods, make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly immediately afterward.

Acidic foods
Acidic Foods can also cause permanent stains and damage to your teeth. Avoid acidic foods such as:
Sodas (even diet sodas can be very acidic)
Lemons and lemon juice

Gum
Gum should be avoided. Sugarless gum in small amounts may be acceptable. Check with us to see if sugarless gum is not recommended during your treatment.

Other Precautions
Do not bite through hard foods with your teeth. This may loosen brackets. Do not chew on pens, pencils, or fingernails as this may break parts of your braces. Remember to brush and floss your teeth to keep them strong and healthy.

Visit the First Aid for Braces section to learn how minor orthodontic problems may be handled at home.