Life In Treatment

CAN BE AWESOME WITH A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE

It’s not uncommon for some patients to feel minor discomfort for the first few days after they get their braces on. Teeth might even feel a little loose (after all – they’re on the move.) While many patients say it’s no big deal, some patients choose to keep some pain reliever (just like you’d take for a headache) handy for a day or two after each appointment. Tenderness usually subsides within a few days. If this isn’t the case you feel free to give us a call or make an appointment as necessary.


Helpful Tips

HYGIENE FOR BRACES


  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Electric and sonic toothbrushes are also acceptable.
  • Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
  • When you do not have access to a toothbrush, rinse with water to dislodge food from your braces and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • Have a checkup and cleaning with your dentist every 6 months.

Eating With Braces

IS EASY

You’ve probably heard from friends and family members who have worn braces that you won’t be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you’re in treatment.

Truth is - you can eat most anything as long as you avoid foods that might cause you to lose a bracket, break a wire, or get tangled up in goo.  Here is a simple, helpful guide to help you avoid any issues.



  • Foods You Can Eat With Braces

  • Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
  • Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
  • Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
  • Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
  • Fruits — applesauce, bananas, sliced fruit, most berries (but watch out for seeds)
  • Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
  • Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

  • Foods to Avoid With Braces

  • Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
  • Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
  • Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
  • Foods you have to bite into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
  • Hard foods — nuts, hard candies

Orthodontic FAQS

MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS. ANSWERED.

  • What is orthodontics?

    • Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

  • Who is an orthodontist?

    • An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

  • What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?

    • If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven. However, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

  • How do I care for my teeth when wearing braces or a retainer?

      • Brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
      • Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
      • If you take out your retainer to eat, use this opportunity to brush and floss your teeth. Store the retainer in its container to prevent damage or loss.
      • Keep your retainer clean by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
      • During your treatment, try to avoid sugary foods. Sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.
      • Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
      • Schedule your routine six-month checkups with your family dentist.

  • What are braces?

    • Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

      • Ceramic braces
      • Gold braces
      • Invisalign®
      • Traditional metal braces

  • If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

      • The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments in our practice take about 18 months.

  • Do braces hurt?

    • Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces and periodically thereafter when adjustments are made as a part of your treatment progression.

  • Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

    • With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

  • If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

    • Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

  • Will my braces interfere with sports, playing an instrument or singing?

    • Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your normal activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces.  We offer complimentary sports mouthguards.  Just ask!

  • How do I schedule my next appointment?

    • Simply call our practice at (330) 673-6411! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you discovered us on your own or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.


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