Braces Care
Congratulation on beginning your braces treatment, you’re one step closer in getting that beautiful smile you dreamed of. Once you get your braces expect to be sore for about 72 hours. Consume a soft food diet and take over the counter tylenol or advil as necessary.
It is very important to make sure to keep your teeth and braces clean while you are in treatment. You must brush 2-3x day and floss 1-2x day. I know it is very difficult and time consuming to floss between each bracket with a floss threader but it is the most effective method of cleaning. To lighten the burden I recommend my patients invest in a Water-pik and (braces) floss picks from either Platypus or Plackers. Patients are recommended to get dental cleanings every 3 months during treatment.
Eating the proper foods during braces treatment is crucial to prevent breaking brackets and increasing your time in treatment. Any type of hard or sticky foods/candy should be avoided. Biting into sandwiches or hamburgers can knock off your brackets so please eat them with a fork and knife.
Rubber Band (Elastics)
It is very important to follow your orthodontists instructions when using elastics. Most orthodontist request their patients to wear elastics either full time or night time at one point in treatment. Rubber bands are mainly used for bite correction and the settling of the teeth.
If requested to wear your rubber bands full time is important to change them 4-5x per day. This means every time you eat or brush your teeth use new rubber bands as the elasticity decreases over time.
Most rubber bands are made with latex so please be sure to let your orthodontist know if you have any allergies. If an allergic reaction flares up, immediately discontinue your elastics and contact your orthodontist. If you know you’re allergic to latex, some over the counter benadryl can be taken if you are not allergic.
Braces FAQ
Just got my braces on and my teeth hurt
This is completely normal, it takes about 24-72 hours for the dental fibers to begin moving. This is why every time you have your braces adjustment your teeth will feel sore for a few days. It is best to have a soft diet and take Tylenol as needed.
Steel tie is poking my lip/cheek
If a steel tie is poking your lip or cheek, you can take the eraser side of pencil and push the steel tie under the wire until is not poking anymore. If this does not work you can place wax on the site until your next orthodontic visit.
My bracket is loose and it’s moving
If your bracket is loose and is moving place wax on the bracket if it is irritating your cheek. If it is not bothering you can usually leave it alone. It is best to contact your orthodontic office to let them know in case you need to be seen sooner then your next appointment.
My wire is poking
If your orthodontic wire is poking you can use a nail clipper to cut the wire if it is not a thick steel wire. To do this make sure to sterilize your nail clipper with rubbing alcohol first and always be sure to clip it in a mirror to not cut your cheek. If you are unable to cut it, place wax on the wire until you are able to visit your orthodontic office.
How often should I get cleanings while I have braces
I recommend all my patients get cleanings every 3 months while they are in orthodontic treatment.
Why does my orthodontist say I need interproximal reduction (IPR)
Interproximal Reduction (IPR) is used when there is a discrepancy between your upper and lower teeth. This allows your orthodontist to get the correct ratio of upper to lower tooth mass to give you the perfect smile.
My dentist says I have a cavity but I’m still in braces
If your dentist sees any cavities depending on where the cavities are the wire may need to be removed in order to have the cavity treated. Please get a written note from your dentist to take to your orthodontist on what exactly is needed.
How much do braces cost in Los Angeles?
Depending on the area you are in braces cost anywhere from $3,500-8,000 for a comprehensive case.
I got braces and now I have a black triangle in between my upper front teeth
This occurs very often due to the shape of your teeth. People with triangular shaped teeth often form these black triangles once the teeth are properly aligned. If this occurs your orthodontist can do interproximal reduction (IPR) between your upper front teeth the broaden the contact before closing the space. While a slight black triangle may still exist, this is usually only noticeable by you.
Easy ways to floss with braces?
One of the biggest challenges that comes with braces is flossing. To make this I recommend my patients use Platypus (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Platypus/page/788185EB-E4B6-49F9-ABED-C6921D8304D0?ref_=ast_bln) or Plackers (https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/63CC58D1-8E90-473E-B8AC-EC02B86F7301?ingress=2&visitId=859d04fc-394e-4bac-acad-305100f935a0&ref_=ast_bln) floss picks that are made for braces.
My gums are really inflamed and puffy while I have braces
If your gums appear red and inflamed while you are in braces it is probably because you are not keeping up with your brushing and flossing. Make sure to begin brushing 2x a day and flossing thoroughly every night. I also recommend my patient to begin rinsing with warm salt water 1x day. It is also important to receive dental cleaning every 3 months while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you feel that you are keeping up with your oral hygiene and your gums are still puffy it is possible that you may be allergic to the nickel in the metal brace. If you do have a nickel allergy contact your orthodontist for alternative treatment methods.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
I recommend my patients brush 2x day for 2 minutes each time. Make sure that you are brushing on the brace, over the brace, and under the brace as well as all the different surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to floss as well.
Ever since I got braces my breath is really bad
If you are keeping up with your oral hygiene and you feel that your breath is always bad it may be due to your tongue. The tongue attracts a lot of bacteria and it is important to clean your tongue daily. Look into purchasing a tongue scraper. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/hpc/3777991/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_hpc)