Life With Braces

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Taking Care of Your Braces

Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It’s important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment in Watertown, Brookings, Aberdeen, and Milbank.

Brushing

Brush at least four times a day – after each meal and before going to bed
Brush well – It will take you several minutes to brush your teeth thoroughly
Brush your tongue and gums as well as chewing surfaces
Look in the mirror to see how you did
Poor brushing leads to cavities and/or permanent white marks
Use a fluoride rinse each night before bed, after brushing
Use a Waterpik to help remove food from between teeth that a toothbrush might miss

Flossing

For areas between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque
Use a reusable floss threader to floss under your archwire daily
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed

Foods To Avoid

In most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods, and food high in sugar should be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods since they can cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing, and chewing on foreign objects should also be avoided.

Hard foods (frozen candy bars, suckers, thick Dorito chips, kettle chips, nuts, hard candies, hard crusts of pizza, ice cubes, peanut brittle, beef jerky, etc.)
Sticky foods (Laffy Taffy, caramels, Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls, licorice, Milk Duds, Sugar Daddies, caramel apples, Jolly Ranchers, gummy worms, etc.)
If you eat carrots, apples, celery, etc., be sure to cut them up into bite-sized pieces!

Oral Hygiene

Orthodontic care kits are given to each patient at the time they start treatment.

Proper oral hygiene is demonstrated when each patient starts treatment and hygiene instructions are given as needed by our oral hygiene coordinators to support great oral hygiene and education throughout treatment.

We utilize several treatment options to minimize decalcification (white spots) and support excellent oral hygiene.

Waterpiks are available for purchase and strongly encouraged for use by our patients.

At each visit, we rate our patients’ oral hygiene on a scale from 1-5. If a patient receives a 2 or less rating at two consecutive appointments, a letter is sent informing their parent or guardian. Continued poor oral hygiene causes the wires (and potentially the brackets) to be removed either temporarily or permanently.

We promote positive reinforcement of good oral hygiene through our Smile Rewards program – awarding points for dental cleaning, no cavities, and other excellent oral care improvements.

Minor Discomfort Is Normal

Wire Poking – Don’t wait until your next appointment. Call the office if the problem continues. We are always happy to answer your questions!
Loose teeth – If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position.
Loose bands or brackets – broken or loose braces or appliances may or may not be a problem – call the office to be sure!
Lost separators – most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced
Wire poking – during treatment wires may shift or bend, which may result in a wire poking. If this happens, cover the area with wax or bend the wire with the eraser end of the pencil. Call the office if the problem continues. We are always happy to answer your questions!
Mouth sores from braces – use wax to protect the area.
Treatment time may be extended due to broken/loose brackets or bands, poor rubber band wear, poor oral hygiene, or missed appointments

Playing Sports While Wearing Braces

We have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. We will provide a special orthodontic mouthguard for a nominal fee.

In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.

Playing Instruments With Braces

Comfort covers for band members may be purchased for a nominal fee and can help ease the discomfort of playing an instrument during treatment.

We hope you enjoy this new experience with us. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Understanding Orthodontic Treatment Stages

Navigating orthodontic treatment involves several key stages, from the initial consultation to the final retainer phase. Understanding these stages helps patients manage expectations and actively participate in their treatment journey, ensuring the best possible outcome.

The process typically begins with a comprehensive examination and consultation, followed by the fitting of orthodontic appliances like braces or aligners. Throughout treatment, regular adjustments are made to guide teeth into their desired positions. Post-treatment care, including the use of retainers, is crucial for maintaining the results achieved.

What to Expect During Your Orthodontic Adjustments

Orthodontic adjustments are routine appointments designed to make progress toward your ideal smile. These visits are essential for the continuous movement of your teeth and ensuring your treatment plan stays on track. Understanding what happens during these appointments can alleviate any anxiety and help you prepare.

During an adjustment, your orthodontist will typically check the progress of your tooth movement, clean your braces, and make necessary changes to the wires, bands, or elastics. This might involve tightening or replacing wires, adding new elastics, or making other minor modifications to continue guiding your teeth. The duration of the appointment is usually brief, and while some mild soreness is common afterward, it's a sign that your teeth are actively moving.

The Importance of Retainers After Braces

Once your braces are removed, the role of retainers becomes paramount in preserving the beautiful smile you've worked hard to achieve. Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions, preventing them from shifting back over time.

Wearing your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist is critical for long-term success. Whether you have a fixed retainer bonded to the back of your teeth or a removable one, consistent use ensures that the investment in your orthodontic treatment pays off. Failure to wear retainers can lead to relapse, requiring further treatment to correct tooth movement.

Managing Common Orthodontic Emergencies

While orthodontic treatment is generally smooth, occasional issues like a broken bracket, a loose wire, or irritation to the gums can arise. Knowing how to handle these minor emergencies can provide immediate relief and prevent potential complications, ensuring your treatment progresses without significant interruption.

For common problems such as a wire poking your cheek, you can often use the eraser end of a pencil to gently reposition it or cover the end with orthodontic wax for comfort. If a bracket becomes loose or detaches completely, it's important to contact VanLaecken Orthodontics to schedule an appointment for repair. Addressing these issues promptly helps maintain the integrity of your treatment plan and your comfort.