Eckels Orthodontics prides ourselves in the quality of work we perform and the service
that we provide. Here is some information to help you as you get started with orthodontic treatment. Please let us know if you experience any persistent difficulties.
Eating with Braces
For the first few days, eating will be more difficult than usual-take your time! Try to avoid foods that require a lot of chewing, such as tough meats, hard breads, and uncooked vegetables. You may find it easier to eat softer foods, such as soups, pastas, and potatoes.
Foods to Avoid
- Hard Foods: ice, nuts, & hard candies
- Sticky Foods: gum, caramels & taffy
- Chewy Foods: jerky, licorice & gummy bears
- Crunchy Foods: tortilla chips and popcorn
Of course, we want you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables! Be sure to cut them into bite size pieces and chew them with your back teeth. Try to avoid biting in to these foods with your front teeth. Please follow the same directions when eating pizza crust and hard breads. Be sure to cut corn off of the cob and remove meat from the bones.
Discomfort
When you get your braces on you may experience some initial discomfort. Your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for the first week or so. You may take ibuprofen or whatever you normally take for headaches. It takes a week or so for your lips, cheeks and gums to become accustomed to the service of the braces. You may use wax to help you through this period until your tissues “toughen up”.
Loosening of the Teeth
Yes, your teeth do feel loose. But, don’t worry! It’s normal and to be expected. As the initial movement of your teeth begins, your teeth loosen up so they can be moved into their new, corrected position.
Loose Wire or Band
Occaisionally you may experience a piece of your braces coming loose, or possibly a wire that might be sharp. Don't be alarmed, this is happens to everyone occasionally. You may use wax to cover any sharp wire that you may have until your next appointment. Please call us imediately if you need to see us sooner to have the wire trimmed. We prefer that you call our office if any portion of your braces breaks or becomes loose. Out staff is specially trained to determine the severity of your situation, and will be glad to schedule a special emergenciy appointment if we determine it to be necessary. If any portion of your braces come off, please save it and bring it with you to our office.
Care of Appliances
Your treatment length has been explained to you in your treatment plan. We expect and need your cooperation to finish treatment on time and obtain the very best possible result. Please do not pick at or play with your braces. Please keep objects such as pens or pencils out of your mouth. Damaged appliances can lengthen your treatment time, and may become very costly to you if your breakage is excessive.
Brushing
Brushing around your braces takes a little extra time. It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly during 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. All patients should continure regular 6 month cleanings and examinations with your dentist while undergoing treatment. We will show you how to thoroughly clean your braces when we put them on. The teeth, braces, and gums should be cleaned at least three times each day. Cleaning involves more than just brushing. We will give you all the additional tools necessary to clean below the braces and wires and also between the teeth. The extra effort it takes to keep teeth clean will be well worth it when you are left with a beautiful, healthy smile!
Athletics
If you play sports, please notify our office so that we can determine the need for a protective mouth guard. Special mouthguards are required when playing full contact sports. In case of any accident involving a blow to the face, mouth, and teeth: please examine your mouth and braces imediately. Please phone our office if the teeth are loosened or there is any damaged or breakage to your braces.
Expanders
When turning the expander, make sure the key is in the hole and that it is turned toward the arrow (toward the back of the mouth). If you miss or are unable to keep your regularly scheduled appointment, please discontinue turning your expander.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Unless directed otherwise, elastics are to be worn fulltime…that is 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week! And yes, that means to bed too! Wearing elastics as instructed moves the teeth more efficiently, and is required to finish treatment on time. Forgetting or neglecting to wear your rubber bands as prescribed will extend your treatment time. You may take your rubber bands out while eating and brushing, but don’t forget to replace them as soon as you are finished. Rubber bands may be worn while you eat, but takes a little getting use to. Your teeth may be sore during the first few days of wearing the elastics. This is normal, and will subside as soon as the teeth get used to the new pressure. However, if you discontinue wearing your elastics due to the soreness, you will experience it all over again when you try to resume them.
Before you leave our office, make sure you have enough elastics to last you until your next appointemnt. If you should run out or lose them, stop by the office to pick some up or give us a call, and we will be glad to mail you another package.