What foods should I avoid with braces?

In general, foods that are difficult to chew, crunchy, sticky, or otherwise require a lot of force to eat should be avoided. We cannot list all of the foods that should be avoided, but the principle is to avoid excessive force being placed upon the brackets. Braces are designed to separate from the tooth in the presence of excess force. This allows the orthodontist to remove the braces without damaging the teeth.

Additionally, food and drinks high in acidic or sugary content such as soda, sour candy, and fruit juices, should be avoided to protect your tooth enamel.

How do I handle discomfort from braces or aligners?

Discomfort from braces is temporary. After appointments, teeth may experience some soreness. Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken if needed and will be sufficient to control the discomfort. If something is poking or irritating your gums, lips, or cheeks, orthodontic wax may be used as a barrier to relieve the discomfort. If you have a persistent issue or are in significant pain, you should call the office to have the problem evaluated and resolved.

How do I care for my braces or aligners?

The most important thing you can do to take care of your braces is to practice impeccable oral hygiene. We will give instructions on how to properly clean and care for the teeth and gums during treatment. We will also give instructions on how to maintain the brackets and wires in good working condition during treatment.

What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks or becomes loose?

If a bracket becomes loose, call the office to have it repaired. We will get you scheduled to repair the loose bracket

Can I still play sports or musical instruments with braces?

You can still play sports while in orthodontic treatment. We recommend you wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the teeth or braces.

Playing a musical instrument that requires a specific position of the mouth to play may require some practice to get used to the braces. With a little effort, you will be able to play the instrument just as you normally would without the braces.