Life with Braces
Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It’s important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
General Information
Eating With Braces
Basically, stay away from chewy, crunchy and/or sticky foods, such as licorice, caramel and chewing ice.
Discomfort
During the first week after your braces are placed, you will likely feel some discomfort. Also, your teeth will become slightly mobile which is completely normal. For the discomfort, take what you would normally take for pain relief, such as aspirin or Tylenol.
Oral Hygiene
Brushing is more important than ever with your new braces. You will need to spend extra time brushing and flossing your teeth. We will show you the correct technique in keeping your teeth clean.
Orthodontic First Aid
What Do I Do In Case of an Emergency?
If you break or loosen any of your appliances, call our office as soon as possible. Please do not come directly to the office—by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you.
You may also consult this document about handling orthodontic emergencies.
Loose Bracket or Band
Call our office immediately for advice if a brace or wire is loosened. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers.
Wire Irritation
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of wax.
Lost Separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Handling Orthodontic Emergencies
For information on an assortment of orthodontic emergencies and how to handle them, please read this comprehensive PDF.
smilebig Retainer Insurance Plan
WORRIED ABOUT LOSING OR BREAKING YOUR RETAINERS?
For $300:
4 ADDITIONAL RETAINERS ($600 VALVE) up to 5 years
*Our standard retainer replacement fee is $150 (If you lose or break your first retainer)
*Offer expires the day you pick up your retainers.
Permanent Retainers at Leber Ortho
Every patient will be given standard removable retainers. However, the doctor can prescribe the addition of a lingual bonded retainer (also called “permanent” or fixed retainers). A bonded retainer is a wire glued behind the teeth to avoid relapse. Bonded retainers are great in cases where the patient had a large space between the front teeth or severe crowding.
Permanent retainers are great at keeping the teeth straight but it does make it more difficult for the patient to floss and to keep their teeth clean. We recommend keeping the permanent retainer long term (at least 2 years).
At Leber Ortho, the doctors will evaluate the pre-treatment tooth alignment and will make a decision if permanent retainers are recommended or not. Note, not all patients are candidates for bonded retainers.
If bonded retainers are recommended, IT IS STILL THE PATIENT’S CHOICE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THE PERMANENT RETAINER GLUED BEHIND THE TEETH. Please communicate to the front office if you have a preference with the permanent retainers. And of course, you can always talk to one of the doctors about this decision.
Braces FAQ
Should My Teeth Be Cleaned Before My Initial Orthodontic Consultation?
Yes. If you've been to your dentist for a cleaning within the last 6 months, we can go ahead and put your braces on. If you are due for a hygiene visit, please call your dentist to schedule a cleaning appointment.
Should I See My General Dentist While I Have Braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.
Will Braces Interfere with Playing Sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard.
Will Braces Interfere with Playing Musical Instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
