Preventing & Solving Orthodontics Problems

 

Congratulations on your new braces!  We would like to give you a few tips to help minimize your discomfort while getting used to the braces.  Hopefully this information will also help you avoid any breakages or problems for the duration of your treatment.

 

Remedies for Discomfort:

1) Wax acts like a Band-aid for your mouth.  By placing wax over the bracket (or whatever is irritating your tissue), it “guards” against further discomfort.  Be sure to dry the area off before you place the wax over it – the wax sticks much better that way.  Use a large enough piece of wax to allow full coverage – the wax sticks to itself, not the braces.  Change the wax whenever it falls off, until you no longer

2) Ibuprofen is the best pain reliever for sore teeth.  Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding dosages and warnings.  If you are unable to take Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the next best thing.

3) Soft foods will be your best choice for the first few days, until your lips and teeth get used to the new braces.  Make sure that you are getting adequate nutrition including all the food groups so that you do not become run down.  Pudding, milkshakes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pancakes and soups are all good choices. Your mouth will tell you when you are ready to eat “normal” foods.

Orthodontic Cautions

Now that you have braces on, it is important to watch what you put in your mouth.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

 Beef jerky……………… don’t eat

 Bread/pizza crust ……… cut it up

 Candies ………………... do not bite into

 Chips ………………….. small pieces only

 Gum …………………… sugarless only, no bubblegum

 Ice ……………………... do not chew

 Meats ………………….. cut off the bone

 Nuts ……………………. don’t eat

 Popcorn ………………... do not eat the kernels

 Raw fruits/veggies …….. cut them up

 Pens & Pencils ………… do not chew on