Now that you have started orthodontic treatment, here are a few hints to help you through the first several days with a minimum of discomfort.

General Soreness
There might be a general soreness in the mouth. This can be relieved by rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take Tylenol or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. Soreness should end by the third or fourth day.

Loosening of the Teeth
This is to be expected throughout treatment. It is normal so do not be upset. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new positions. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved.

Eating
Be careful to protect the orthodontic appliances when you eat. Faithfully follow our instructions on foods to avoid. For the first day or so, soft foods will be more appropriate. Be in the habit of cutting your food into small pieces and chewing with your back teeth. NEVER bite directly into anything with your front teeth like apples, pears, corn on the cob, spare ribs, buffalo wings, and any meat on the bones. You will break your braces right off. Hard foods are off limits or must be cut up in small pieces and use your back teeth, do not bite into them. Such as hard cookies, pizza crust, hard breads, hard pretzels, bagels, hard candies, frozen snacks, ice cubes, and raw vegetables. Chewy candy such as laffy taffy, skittles, Starbursts, tootsie rolls, gum, gummy worms, gummy bears, sour patch kids, jelly beans, caramel, and licorice are definitely off limits. There are absolutely no exceptions. Chewing sticky things may not immediately cause damage but, they will do damage over time. Keep things that aren't food out of your mouth. Do not chew on pens, pencaps, pencils, straws and finger nails. We put bends in your wire to move your teeth in a certain direction. If you put a bend in your wire by chewing something you should not have, you will shift your teeth in the wrong direction lengthening treatment time and causing problems. If you do not follow this list, loose bands and broken brackets can cause irreparable white marks (decalcifications) which will NEVER come off the tooth. The mark you leave will be your own FOREVER.

Athletics
If you take part in athletics, it is important that you consult us for special precautions. You must wear a mouth guard if you play a contact sport. It has to be a non-boil mouth guard. We will provide you with one if needed. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliance damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would any general soreness.

Wires
If the wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. If the wire is very long in the back and you feel comfortable clipping it yourself, feel free to do so. You can do so by using a small wire cutter or nail scissors. If irritation to the mouth or lips continues, place wax on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Telephone our office the next business day for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If the office is closed and you have a pain emergency, you can page the doctor at the emergency number on the answering machine.

Brackets
Brackets are the little silver squares that are glued onto the front of your teeth. IF THEY MOVE THE SLIGHTEST BIT, THEY ARE NOT LOOSE THEY ARE BROKEN. We need to be notified of all broken brackets before you walk into the office. Broken brackets take longer to fix than your regularly scheduled appointment. We need to be notified ahead of time so we can plan for your arrival. We may even ask that you come sooner or later depending on the available time so that you are not kept here longer than necessary. If you notify us and we have time, we will fix your bracket. Otherwise all broken brackets are to be fixed prior to 2:30 p.m. Broken brackets are easily avoided by avoiding chewy, sticky, and hard foods. Be aware that excessive breakage will lengthen your treatment time.

Bands
If a band is loose we need to be notified about it before your next appointment. You will know that it is broken because it will move up and down on your tooth. We will check your bands at each appointment but it is your responsibility to check them in-between your appointments. Food can become trapped under a band that is loose. If a band remains loose for a long period of time you are susceptible to cavities.

What to expect at your next appointment
Assuming nothing is broken and we are not adding any brackets, your next appointment will be quick and simple. Because we use the newest technology, appointments can be scheduled at 6-12 week intervals. We will be making some minor adjustments and changing the colored rubber bands that are holding your wire in place. If one of these colored ties comes undone before your next appointment do not be alarmed. There is no need to notify us. We will be replacing them all at your next appointment.

Brushing
Brushing is very important even more important when braces are on. Your teeth were cleaned before braces were placed on with a special toothpaste that removes all bacteria and plaque. The area under your braces will remain clean and protected by the brackets. Your job is to keep everything around them just as clean for the duration of your treatment. You should be brushing your teeth AT LEAST after every meal. We have provided you with a kit packed with the brushing essentials you need to properly care for your braces. If you do not take proper care of your teeth during treatment you will be left with permanent white marks on your teeth that do not go away. The white marks may eventually become cavities. If your gums become puffy and swollen, it will make your regular archwire adjustments uncomfortable, brushing will be uncomfortable, brackets will break more easily, and the progress of your treatment will slow down. The only way to avoid this is to take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth AND gums several times a day in circular motions. Brush for at least two minutes every time you brush. It is very important that you keep your teeth, gums and appliances clean. At least once each day, spend a few moments with a mirror checking the appliances to make sure that they are thoroughly clean and in good shape.

Cooperation
Success of treatment depends upon cooperation between you, the doctor and staff. Wear the appliance as directed, avoid foods that can be damaging and handle emergencies promptly (broken appliances). Always be conscientious and responsible toward your treatment. Quick, successful results depend on you, too. Be sure appointments are kept, and on time. Cancel only for real emergencies because rescheduling is difficult and may affect treatment. If you have an emergency that cannot wait until the office re-opens, the doctor can be reached by pager.