Oral Hygiene and Compliance
It is of the utmost importance for you to participate in your orthodontic treatment. This means we expect you to maintain proper oral hygiene habits and comply with our instructions. This will make your treatment easier and ensure you get the maximum results within the most efficient time frame.
Brushing
Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. The day we fit your braces, we will show you the proper way to clean around your braces.
Make sure your teeth are clean when you arrive for your appointment. If you haven’t had time to brush, just walk back to the brushing station and brush before you are seated. Remember, we evaluate your brushing at every appointment. Food that remains trapped in and around the braces can leave permanent marks or scars called “decalcification.”
Elastics, Headgear & Retainers
Always wear your elastics, headgear or retainers as prescribed by the doctor. Not following our instructions will significantly extend your treatment time and affect final results. Remember to bring your removable retainers and headgear to every appointment.
Avoid hard, sticky foods, which may damage or break your orthodontic appliances. Chronic breakage of brackets will significantly extend your treatment time.
Please Avoid the Following:
- Hard Foods: Ice, hard candy, pretzels, nuts, taco shells and un-popped popcorn kernels.
- Sticky/ Chewy Foods: Gum, jujubes, gummy bears, taffy, etc.
- Take extra care with: Bagels, pizza crust and hard crust breads.
- Raw fruits and vegetables should be cut into small pieces and chewed with your back teeth.
