Your personal instructions come first.
Use this page as a reminder of the guidance you received in the office. If anything here differs from the directions provided by your dentist, follow your dentist’s directions and call us with questions.
What to Expect
The first few days with braces are usually the biggest adjustment. General soreness, tenderness when biting, and irritation of the lips or cheeks are common and should improve as your mouth adapts. Use orthodontic wax as directed when a wire or bracket is irritating your mouth, and call us if an appliance breaks or discomfort does not improve.
- Use orthodontic wax on irritating wires or brackets as directed.
- Take any over-the-counter pain reliever only as directed by your dentist and the product label.
- Call the office if a wire, bracket, spacer, or other appliance becomes loose or breaks.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Food and plaque collect easily around orthodontic appliances. Brush after meals and snacks, floss at least once each day, and consider a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser if recommended. Continue routine cleanings with your general dentist.
- Brush carefully around every bracket and along the gumline.
- Wear elastics and removable appliances exactly as directed.
- Keep every scheduled orthodontic visit so treatment can be monitored.
Food and Appliance Safety
Choose soft foods for the first few days, such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods that can bend wires or loosen brackets.
- Avoid ice, gum, hard candy, gummy candy, taffy, caramels, tough crusts, and similar foods.
- Cut food into bite-size pieces instead of pulling food away with your teeth.
- Do not chew pens or fingernails, and use an orthodontic mouthguard for sports.
Call Us If
- A wire, bracket, spacer, or appliance breaks or becomes loose.
- A wire is cutting your mouth and wax does not control the irritation.
- Pain or swelling is severe, increasing, or does not begin to settle.