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During Treatment

Find out how to maintain ideal oral health throughout orthodontic treatment. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our office.

Let us guide you through the process of taking care of your bite while in treatment.

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Caring for Your Smile

Oral Hygiene

Follow these simple instructions while brushing your teeth to ensure that your smile stays healthy throughout your time in treatment.

  • Use a soft-bristle brush with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
  • Brush after every meal and every snack.
  • If you absolutely cannot brush right away, rinse well with water.
  • Most importantly, brush and floss everyday until your teeth and braces are spotlessly clean. You should be spending at least five minutes in this process.
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing.

 Foods to Avoid

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

  • Gum (sugar-free or regular)
  • Licorice
  • Sugar Daddies
  • Toffee
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Caramels
  • Starburst

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

  • Ice
  • Nuts
  • Hard taco shells
  • French bread crust/rolls
  • Corn on the cob
  • Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
  • Bagels
  • Chips
  • Jolly Ranchers
  • Pizza crust
  • Uncooked carrots (unless cut)

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

  • Cake
  • Ice Cream
  • Cookies
  • Pie
  • Candy

Only Once a Day:

  • Sweetened tea
  • Gatorade
  • Kool-Aid
  • Drinks with sugar

It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.

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