LIFE WITH BRACES

Demineralization

When food is left on teeth and comes in contact with bacteria, it creates acid and "white scars" that are usually permanent and can lead to cavities. This process is called demineralization and people with braces are more prone to it because braces can trap food. Keep up your brushing and flossing to keep your braces clean!

Gingivitis

This initial stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, occurs when the tissues around the teeth become inflamed. Sufferers may experience bleeding, tenderness, redness, or swelling and spend more time in braces. Remember to brush and floss to keep your gums healthy.

Plaque

Not only does plaque combine with sugars to form an acid that is dangerous to teeth and gums, it can also cause tooth decay, gum disease, tartar, and other dental problems. Brushing and flossing after every meal will help rid your mouth of plaque and keep your smile clean.

Tartar

After only 24 hours, tartar can start to develop. It is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on teeth, cause discoloration and can make it more difficult to remove newly-formed plaque. It can form around the gum line, braces, and other orthodontic appliances. The best way to remove tartar is to brush after every meal and floss every time you brush.

Bad Breath

If you develop bad breath only after getting braces it is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene. Bacteria in your mouth feeds on food particles left in your mouth after eating, and these bacteria create odor. Brushing after every meal can help eliminate this issue.

Broken wires

• If you have a wire that breaks, or sticks out in the back of your mouth, check the wire at the brackets. You may find that the wire sticks too far out from one rear bracket and has become unattached from the opposite rear bracket. In that case, use tweezers to move the wire back into place so it doesn’t stick out on either side.
• If the wire sticks out on both sides, you can put special wax (provided by us when you get your braces) on each end of the wires to keep them from irritating your gums and mouth. Make sure that the wax covers the rear brackets, so it stays in place until your appointment where we will clip the wires to the correct length.
• In very rare situations, the longer wire may be digging into your cheek – you can take care of it immediately by using a small wire cutter to snip the wire yourself. Be sure to see us ASAP so we can make sure the wire is correctly adjusted.

Loose fixtures

• If you have a loose bracket or band, put special wax (provided by us when you first get your braces) on the loose bracket to keep it from hurting the inside of your mouth.
• Second, you can remove the loose bracket and bring it to us for proper reattachment. Each bracket has a small door that holds it to the band. Simply open the door and the bracket will easily come off. You can then bring it to us for repair.

Pinching/rubbing

• When you get your braces, we supply you with specialized wax in case a bracket loosens or a wire moves out of place, poking your mouth and gums. Apply the wax to lessen the irritation.

Pain relief

• For the first four or five days, you may feel soreness in your mouth as your braces adjust. Biting may cause some discomfort because your teeth will be tender. Both can be soothed by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. If the discomfort is severe, try Tylenol^® or a similar over-the-counter medication to alleviate any discomfort until your mouth fully adjusts.