Care of Orthodontic Appliances

Now that you have your appliances, you must be sure to brush your teeth and gums better than ever before. Extra care must be taken in the area between the gums and appliances. We call this the "DANGER ZONE." Food that collects around your bands and wires can cause stains and cavities as well as unpleasant odors, so to be sure to keep your teeth clean. Brush after each meal. Take your time and do it right. An electric toothbrush can be used, also a "Water Pik" appliance.

Certain foods should not be eaten because you are wearing braces. In general there are two types of foods that you are to avoid...hard, brittle foods, and soft, sticky foods. Some examples of each are as follows:

Hard, Brittle Foods

  • Ice
  • Hard edges of pizza
  • Crisp french fries
  • Corn on the cob (cut the corn off of the cob)
  • Doritos, Fritos, Hard Tacos, etc...
  • Pecans, Peanuts, etc...
  • Hard candy such as Life-Savers, and Peppermint Sticks
  • French Bread
  • Raw Vegetables

Soft, Sticky Foods

  • Gum (especially Bubble Gum)
  • Sticky candy such as caramels, taffy, Skittles, Starbursts

Certain foods can be eaten if they are served in a special way. Whole fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots should be thinly sliced and eaten carefully. Fresh corn may be eaten if sliced off of the cob. Please exercise caution in your selection of food.

Your bite will feel different now that your braces are on, and we recommend eating more slowly and carefully, and taking smaller bites as you adjust to your new appliances. In general, keep pencils, fingernails, foreign objects, etc. out of your mouth. Do not suck on lemons or limes, as the acids in them can break down the enamel in your teeth.

Treat your appliances as expensive, fine pieces of jewelry- in a real sense this is what they are. Please notify our office immediately if appliances become loose or broken.

Now that you have braces, sugar is more likely to stick to your teeth and will be harder to remove. Take special care to avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially soft drinks, juices, gatorade, sweet tea, etc. Sugary foods and drinks will cause white spot lesions, or decalcifications on your teeth. These are permanent stains that cannot be bleached or removed. The best appproach is PREVENTATIVE! Drink milk and water, and if you desire sweet tea, brew your preferred tea and add Truvia or Xylitol while it is hot. Truvia and Xylitol are natural sweeteners that will not harm your teeth. Stay away from candy and sugary foods.

With your cooperation we will achieve the best results possible. Wearing braces is an excellent opportunity to begin routines of good dental hygiene and nutrition, in addition to giving you a comfortable bite and pleasing appearance.

Care of Orthodontic Problems

To learn more about preventing white spot lesions, click on this informative link from the American Association of Orthodontists.

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