For patients who have braces, it is important that you treat your braces and teeth with care. By continuing basic dental hygiene habits and following some additional instruction, you can be confident that your teeth will not only become straight but remain healthy and beautiful. Our team at Santa Monica Orthodontics has provided a few key points that you should remember when you are treated with orthodontics in Santa Monica, California. If you have questions about any of our recommendations, and to set up your appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Rehana Khan, please contact us at 310-393-3344 today. We are always happy to help!
Eating With Braces
When you have braces, it is important to remember to avoid food that could damage your braces or your teeth. Causing damage to your appliance may result in longer treatment time. As a quick guide, you should avoid the following foods when you have braces:
- Sticky foods: caramel, gum, etc.
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, hard cookies, crackers, etc.
- Sugary drinks: soda, energy drinks, Kool-Aid, sweetened tea, etc.
- Hard foods: hard candy, nuts, etc.
It is also important that you should cut up foods that require you to bite into them, such as apples, corn on the cob, carrots and others. In general, if you have to bite into it to eat it, just cut it up. But having braces does not mean you cannot eat anything good; there are still lots of yummy foods you can eat, including:
- Pudding
- Pancakes and muffins
- Soft, cooked chicken and meats
- Pasta
- Rice
- Dairy products
- And so much more!
Soreness Caused by Braces
Braces brackets can cause some irritability to the inner soft tissue of your lips and cheeks. This is normal, but the discomfort will not last forever! There are several ways that you can relieve this discomfort:
- Swish and gargle an 8-ounce glass of lukewarm water that contains 1 teaspoon of salt. Do this for a couple of minutes.
- Rub wax along the brackets that are causing irritation. Our orthodontist will provide you with a packet of wax.
- If your pain is more severe and does not lessen, you can try taking pain relievers.
Loose Teeth, Wires and Bands
If you feel that your teeth are a little loose with braces, do not worry! Braces loosen your teeth ever so slightly so that your teeth can slide into the correct position. Once your teeth have been properly placed, they will remain in place.
On occasion, brackets or bands may become loose, too. If this happens, it is important to contact our office and set up an appointment as soon as possible. Our orthodontist and team can quickly and effectively repair your appliance. If any piece of your braces comes completely off, hold on to it until you can visit our office. If you have a loose wire, you can temporarily push it back into place by using a pencil eraser or the back of a spoon. Then, contact our office to schedule a time where we can fix your wire.
Playing Sports With Braces
For our athletic patients, you will be happy to know that you can still play sports while wearing braces! However, it is important that you still be careful and protect your teeth and appliance. If you have questions about how you can best do that, please visit with our orthodontist.
If you find yourself in a sports emergency, be sure to check for loose teeth or damaged appliances. If you notice any damage, please contact us right away.