Wearing braces is a big commitment, but it’s also an exciting time! You’re on your way to achieving a straighter, healthier smile.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your orthodontic journey:

When wearing braces, it is important to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods. These types of foods may damage your braces and prolong your treatment time. Foods to avoid include:

• Hard candy
• Beef jerky
• Caramel
• Taffy
• Ice
• Gum

Once your braces are put on, Pearly Whites will provide you with a complete list of foods to avoid.

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly when wearing braces is crucial to maintaining optimal oral hygiene. This may help to avoid cavities and keep your mouth healthy during treatment. Patients should try to brush their teeth after each meal and floss at least once a day.

Flossing with braces can be difficult, but there are a few ways to make it easier. Our team will show you how to floss with braces and provide you with the tools you need to keep your smile healthy.

If you are an athlete, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth while playing sports. Your braces are strong, but they are not indestructible. A mouthguard may help protect your teeth and reduce the risk of damage to your braces.

Achieving a straighter, healthier smile is not the only benefit of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment may also:

• Fix your bite for better function
• Improve your self-esteem and confidence
• Decrease your risk of jaw joint problems or pain
• Minimize wear on your teeth

Despite our best efforts, orthodontic emergencies may happen. If you notice loose brackets, wires, or appliances, don’t worry. Our team is here to help. We will fix the problem and get you back on track towards a straighter smile.

If a bracket comes loose but is still attached to the tooth, leave it in place and apply dental wax to it. If your bracket has come off completely, save it and call our office. We can re-attach the bracket in most cases.

If you are dealing with a loose wire, tweezers may be able to help you put it back in place. Once in place, apply dental wax to the wire. If you cannot put the wire back in place, cut the wire with a nail clipper behind the last tooth to which it is still attached. Then contact us to replace the wire.

Loose appliances may poke or irritate your gums. Using dental wax may provide you with short-term relief until you are able to come into our office and have it repaired.

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Retainers are custom-made to fit your mouth and teeth. It is essential to wear your retainer as directed by our team to avoid having your teeth shift back into their original position.

Caring for your retainer is just as important as wearing it. Retainers should be cleaned often to avoid bacteria build-up. You can clean your retainer by brushing it with toothpaste and water or soaking it in denture cleaner. If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, please call our office. We are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

At Pearly Whites, having a healthy, beautiful smile is our top priority. We are dedicated to providing each patient with the personalized care they deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our orthodontic services.