Now that you have started your orthodontic treatment, here are some hints that will help you get used to your braces.

You may cut the following foods into small pieces.

Do not bite into these:
CARROTS, APPLES, CELERY, CORN ON THE COB,  PIZZA, HARD FRENCH BREAD,
HARD TACOS, TORTILLA CHIPS.

Avoid foods with HIGH SUGAR CONTENT whenever possible.

Always brush after eating. A careful orthodontic patient can eat most foods and do no damage to the appliances.   If something becomes loose or broken for any reason, please call as soon as possible. This way we can set aside enough time to give you the care that you require. 949-493-3993

Sore spot on cheek

When you first  receive your  braces or  your orthodontic appliance, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheek, place wax on the offending bracket, wire or appliance. During non-sleeping hours, cotton rolls can be placed  between the appliance and your cheek to provide relief. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. The cheeks will toughen up after a short while. If you have used all of the wax provided  to you, orthodontic wax can be purchased at a drug store and we will be happy to supply you with more on our next working day.

General Soreness

Some discomfort should be expected after having braces placed. Your teeth will be sore when they touch together and this is why a soft diet of foods easy to chew is indicated. To alleviate the soreness you may take Advil or Tylenol as needed for pain relief. Take the meds as prescribed to relieve the discomfort-prescription pain meds are not indicated.

Typically the first day after you get your braces you will be the most sore but soreness should subside each following day. It is very unusual to still have discomfort after 3-5 days. If your teeth continue to be sore or if you feel it is not improving over time, please don’t hesitate to call us or come in so Dr. Sayed can evaluate your problem.

Loosening of Teeth

Do not be alarmed if your teeth feel loose. Teeth must loosen in order to be moved. Your teeth will become fixed in their new and improved position over time and as treatment is completed.

Loose or Broken Appliances

If a wire, brace or any appliance becomes loose, don’t become alarmed. If a wire is poking, you may use a pencil eraser and carefully push the wire under the braces to get it out of the way. If your lips or cheeks are irritated, place wax on the area to reduce the annoyance. If a wire comes out of a band, replace the wire by putting it through the hole in the back band. Wires can also be cut with wire or nail clippers. If a brace becomes loose, you may remove it by taking off the o-ring around the braces with something like a tooth pick. IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE CALL OUR OFFICE.   949-493-3993. We may need you to come in right away or we may need to lengthen your next scheduled appointment to make the repair.

Patient Cooperation

Patient cooperation is the most single most important factor in achieving a proper result and completing treatment on time. Insufficient wearing of elastics, removable appliance, Invisalign Aligners, etc. or missing scheduled appointments will lengthen treatment time, adversely affect treatment quality and potentially result in additional costs. If you have any questions how your treatment is progressing, please call or discuss with Dr. Sayed directly at your visit your concerns. We are here to help. 949-493-3993