Helpful Tips for Proper Braces Care

Rules for Braces

Here are some of the rules for you to follow:

• Do not eat anything for at least one hour after your braces have been cemented to your teeth.
• For the next 24 hours stay on a soft food diet: soup, eggs, warm cereal, Jell-O, rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, soft vegetables, fruit from a can, etc.
• Do not eat any foods or candies that are sticky, chewy, or hard, this includes gum, taffy, Starburst, Mike & Ike, Snickers, Milk Duds, Skittles, Now and Later, Gummy Bears, popcorn, bagels, etc.
• Do not bite into anything throughout treatment. Please make sure you cut up or break up all your food into bite sized pieces from now until your braces are removed.
• You may experience some discomfort with your lips after your braces are placed. Please use your wax. After your adjustments, your teeth may be sore, and a Tylenol or Advil may help.
• Brushing must be done at least three times a day. Brushing after each meal and before bed is one of the most important factors for a successful treatment. We will teach you how to use your brush and floss threaders. At each visit we will check your mouth for cleanliness and record it in your chart. If your teeth are not clean, decalcification (permanent staining), or decay of the teeth will occur.
• Regular dental checkups and cleaning should be done every six months even with your braces on.
• You will need a mouth guard if you are playing contact sports. Please inform the front desk if you require a mouth guard.
• If anything should become loose or broken, please call the office so we can determine whether we need to see you. Remember to bring the pieces with you to your next appointment.
• Early morning and late afternoon appointments are busy times. Please be patient if you require these hours.