LIFE WITH BRACES

IT’S EASY (EVEN FOR ADULTS)

Having braces is much more comfortable than it used to be, especially when you get your braces at Facing The Future Orthodontics. That’s because our doctors are dedicated to bringing the best new technologies to the East End. Big city technology, right here.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS after each appointment there might be some general tenderness of your teeth and mouth. Your teeth might even feel a little loose (after all – they’re on the move.) You may want to take some form of pain reliever (what you would normally take for a headache) during this time. Tenderness usually subsides within a few days. You can always contact us with any questions or concerns as well!

BRUSHING & FLOSSING

- We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head. Electric and sonic tooth brushes are also acceptable.
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.

Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.

- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- We recommend that you have a regular check up with your dentist every 6 months.

Eating With Braces

You’ve probably heard from friends and family members who have worn braces that you won’t be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you’re in treatment. That’s true – if your favorite food is hard candy:-). Truth is – you can eat most anything as long as you avoid anything that might cause you to lose a bracket, break a wire, or get tangled up in goo. Here’s a simple, helpful guide to help you avoid any issues. Feel free to print this list out and put it up on the fridge.

Foods to AVOID with braces:

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky foods — caramels & chewy candies
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
Foods you bite into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
Meats/poultry — chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
Fruits — applesauce, bananas, sliced fruit, most berries
Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, jello, cake