Braces 101

FIRST DAY IN BRACES

WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

• BRACKETS: These are on each tooth, attached directly to the tooth. The archwire fits into the slot on the bracket.
• BANDS: These are rings of metal that fit around the back teeth. They are cemented in place.
• ARCHWIRES: Wires are shaped to fit in the bracket slots around the arches.
• O-RINGS: These are small colored polyurethane rings that tie the archwire into the brackets. Archwires may also be attached to brackets with ligature wire. Small elastic rubber bands might also be attached to your braces on hooks to exert gentle, but constant pressure to move the teeth in a direction that cannot be accomplished by braces alone.
• HOOKS: These are small attachments on the brackets, which are used to attach elastic rubber bands.

The material used to attach the braces to your teeth cures rapidly, initially... but it takes 24 hours to completely cure. You can eat anytime after leaving our office; however, we ask that you are careful and not eat foods that will be harmful to your braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

WILL THE BRACES CAUSE DISCOMFORT?

Initially, the braces feel like they “stick-out”. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have “toughened,” you may find it helpful to use a small piece of wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more.

You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be “tender” and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report that they experience no discomfort... but most have some soreness beginning during the first eight hours and disappearing within the week. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take non-prescription pain medication for the discomfort. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take if before the discomfort begins.

BEFORE LEAVING THE OFFICE

There are routine steps which we ask that you complete before leaving the office. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from the braces.

PLEASE MAKE THESE STEPS A PART OF EACH OFFICE VISIT:

• Using your finger and tongue, check that wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke your tongue or cheek.
• Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing headgear or elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander, or following specific hygiene or diet instruction.
• Make sure you have adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands or other related materials you may need between appointments.
• If you are involved in any extracurricular activities such as football, soccer or any sport that requires a mouth guard, please use one that does not fit tight against the teeth that will prevent tooth movement by the appliances.
• Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting 1 to 2 weeks after an appointment before scheduling your next office visit complicates the scheduling process since appointments are programmed 4 to 8 weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to extended treatment time.
• Make sure that your questions about treatment are answered. Treatment goes better when everyone understands the treatment process.

NO-NO FOOD LIST

Our goal is to provide you with a beautiful smile. This can best be accomplished if your braces stay attached to your teeth. You need to be careful about what kinds of foods you eat as some hard or sticky foods can be trouble.

For most situations, common sense will tell you what to stay away from. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Sugary foods cause tooth decay and related problems. Chewing on hard objects such as pencils, pens, or ice can also break or damage your braces.

EXAMPLES OF HARD FOODS TO AVOID:

• Ice
• Popcorn (hard kernels)
• Hard candies (peppermints, Life Savers and Jolly Ranchers)
• Whole carrots, apples and pears (cut into small pieces)
• Corn-on-the-cob (cut off of the cob)
• Cough drops
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Ribs/Chicken on the bone
• Beef Jerky
• Pizza crust
• Chewy bread
• All types of nuts

EXAMPLES OF STICKY FOODS TO AVOID:

• Caramels and taffy
• Sugar Daddies
• Tootsie Rolls
• Gummy bears
• Now and Laters
• Skittles and chewy Sweettarts
• Airheads and Starburst
• Snickers
• All types of gum (including Freedent)

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