Helpful Resources

While everyone’s orthodontic journey is unique, we’ve put together some helpful tips and resources that apply to most treatments to make your experience comfortable and successful. Use the menu below to navigate to your needed topic!

Tips for a Successful Orthodontic Treatment

1. Follow Instructions Carefully:

Following our guidelines and recommendations will help ensure your treatment progresses smoothly with minimal delay.

2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Food can often get caught in appliances and braces during mealtimes. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily will help prevent cavities and gum disease.

3. Eat Ortho-Friendly Foods:

Avoid eating anything that is sticky, hard, or chewy, which can damage your braces or aligners.

4. Athletes – Protect Your Braces:

If you are active in sports that require a mouthguard, we recommend using a mouthguard that we give you to protect your braces and teeth from injury.

Tips for an Ortho-Friendly Diet:

Foods to Avoid with Braces

1. Hard, Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables:

Raw apples, carrots, corn on the cob should be cut into small pieces or off of the cob (Not avoided during treatment)

2. Chewy or Sticky Foods:

Caramel, chewing gum, taffy

3. Crunchy Foods:

Popcorn, chips, nuts, hard pretzels

4. Hard Foods:

Hard candy, ice, hard crusted bread

Food to Avoid

Emergency Care Tips for Orthodontic Treatment

As careful as our patients are, sometimes orthodontic emergencies do occur. Luckily, many of these issues can be managed at home until you can visit our office.

Here are some quick tips for handling common orthodontic problems:

Loose Brackets or Bands

Temporary Fix: If a bracket or band is loose but still attached, leave it in place. Apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. Fully Detached: If it comes off completely, save the piece and bring it to your next appointment.
Poking Wires

Orthodontic Wax: Apply orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to reduce discomfort. Trim the Wire: Use sterilized nail clippers to carefully trim the wire if it’s causing severe discomfort and you cannot see your orthodontist immediately. Tuck the Wire: Use a clean pencil eraser or a cotton swab to gently push the wire back into a more comfortable position.
Soreness and Discomfort

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage soreness, especially after adjustments. Salt Water Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) to reduce inflammation and soothe sore spots. Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can aggravate discomfort.
Mouth Sores

Orthodontic Wax: Apply wax to brackets or wires causing irritation to protect the inside of your mouth. Topical Anesthetics: Use over-the-counter topical anesthetics like Orajel to numb the sore spots. Salt Water Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) to reduce inflammation and soothe sore spots.
Broken or Lost Aligners

Next Set of Aligners: If you have lost or broken your current set of aligners, move on to the next aligner in the set and wear for two weeks, and call our team. Contact Your Orthodontist: Inform your orthodontist immediately so they can guide you on the next steps and provide replacements if necessary.
General Tips

Stay Calm: Most orthodontic issues are not true emergencies and can be managed until your next appointment. Keep Supplies Handy: Maintain a small kit with orthodontic wax, sterilized nail clippers, a small mirror, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Regular Check-Ups: Attend all scheduled appointments to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and any potential issues are addressed early.

When to Seek Help

When to Seek Immediate Help:

In the below situations, we ask that you contact our team immediately so we can get the issue resolved for you as quickly as possible.

1. Severe Pain or Swelling:

If you experience severe pain or significant swelling that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

2. Injury to Mouth or Face:

If you sustain an injury to your mouth, face, or teeth.

3. Inability to Eat or Drink:

If discomfort prevents you from eating or drinking properly.