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To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must co-operate and work together with the Orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can move toward their corrected positions only if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Repeated breakage or irregular use of removable appliances lengthens the treatment time.

BRUSHING

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to their dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults should take more care of their hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH WITH BRACES

Use a brush with a small amount of toothpaste.
Place bristles where gums and teeth meet.
Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines, 10 seconds on each tooth.
Brush slowly, each arch separately.
Special Interdental brushes can be used for hard-to-clean places like areas between the braces. After every meal, if you cannot brush right away, at least rinse well with water.

FLOSSING YOUR TEETH WITH BRACES

Carefully pull unwaxed floss between wire and braces. A floss threader is highly recommended.

Floss carefully around the braces.
Floss carefully around the gum area.
Floss carefully around each tooth.

Foods to be avoided

Avoid sticky and hard food like chikkis, hard chocolates, nuts, chewing gum, Corn-on-the-cob (cut it off the cob),pizza crust(the hard outer edge) ,bread rolls, toast, pattice , sugarcane as they may break or damage the braces , the bands or the tubes and delay the treatment. You can continue to eat your favorite foods but they will have to be prepared specially. Fruits like apple, guava will need to be sliced. Food will have to be softened or cut into small pieces before eating.

GENERAL SORENESS

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3-5 days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater or mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take an analgesic given to you.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for 3-4 days till they become accustomed to the surface of the braces. For this, you can use the topical application given by the doctor.

LOOSE WIRE OR BAND

If a wire or band becomes loose, don’t worry. It can happen occasionally. If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (eg. the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way.
If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the discomfort. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.

'The shortest distance between two people is a smile.'