Patient Instructions

1. Oral Hygiene Maintenance

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment to prevent cavities, gum disease, and decalcification (white spots on teeth).

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush to clean above and below the brackets.
• Floss daily using orthodontic floss threaders or special floss picks designed for braces.
• Rinse with fluoride mouthwash once daily to strengthen enamel.
• Consider using an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around brackets and wires.

2. Diet and Drinks

Avoiding certain foods helps prevent breakage and extends the life of your appliances.

• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as nuts, popcorn, ice, gum, taffy, and hard candies.
• Peel and cut fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots into small, manageable pieces.
• Minimize sugary and acidic drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and juices. Water is always the best choice.
• Do not chew on pens, fingernails, or ice.

3. Initial Discomfort

It’s normal to feel pressure or soreness during the first few days after getting braces or following an adjustment.

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., Tylenol or Advil) as directed by the instructions on the labels.
• Orthodontic wax can be applied over brackets or wires that irritate the cheeks or lips.
• Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, pasta, or smoothies during the adjustment period.
• Some wires have heat-activation features and can be activated and exert sudden increase in the level of force when subject to hot drink or food. Drinking cold water will alleviate tooth soreness.

4. Common Issues and Self-Care

• Loose Bracket: If a bracket detaches from the tooth but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and call our office. You may place wax over it if it causes irritation.
• Broken or Protruding Wire: If a wire is poking or broken, try to gently push it flat using the eraser end of a pencil. Apply wax over the end and call us for repair.
• Wire Out of Tube: If the main wire slips out of the back tube on the molar, try reinserting it with tweezers. If that’s not possible, use wax to hold it and contact our office.
• Lost Separator or Ligature: These small parts can fall out occasionally; let us know so we can advise whether replacement is needed.
• Sore Spots or Ulcers: Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) to soothe sore tissues.

5. When to Call the Office

Please contact us if:

• You experience severe pain or discomfort.
• A bracket or band is completely off.
• A wire is poking and cannot be covered or adjusted.
• You have questions about home care or feel uncertain about a situation.