Tips for living with braces

Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is a project—one that requires careful attention, a diligent commitment, and yes, even some lifestyle adjustments. But the rewards are worth it!

To make your treatment as quick and effective—and comfortable—as possible, here a some things you need to know:

FOODS TO AVOID
CLEANING TIPS
EMERGENCIES
SOOTHING RECIPES

Foods to avoid

Although patients are able to eat or drink many foods while in orthodontic treatment, there are certain food culprits that can damage orthodontic appliances and braces.

Eating the wrong foods can bend and distort wires, causing treatment delays and extra visits for repairs.

• In general, hard, brittle, crunchy and sticky foods should NOT be eaten during orthodontic treatment—hard crunchy foods can bend and break the braces and wires, while sticky foods may loosen them.
• Certain foods may be eaten if they are prepared in a special way. Whole fruits and vegetables or any raw foods such as apples, celery and carrots should be sliced and eaten carefully. Hard crusty breads should be broken and eaten in small pieces. Corn may be eaten if sliced off the cob.
• Do not suck on lemons or limes (citric acid in juice can dissolve tooth enamel) and especially do not suck or chew ice cubes. Chewing ice cubes can be very destructive to your appliances and teeth.
• Limit foods with a high sugar content
  The best time to eat carbohydrates or other sugary foods is during a meal. The mouth produces more saliva during a meal which, in turn, helps to neutralize acid production and rinse food from the mouth. If possible, brush immediately after eating. If it is not possible to do so, rinsing with clear water will help.
• Keep fingernails, pencils and other objects out of your mouth. Do not put anything in your mouth that may tend to bend, break, pry, pull or knock off the braces.

 

The following is a list of only some of the foods you should avoid. Consult your new patient package for a more detailed list. You should use your own good judgment while eating anything. And no matter what you eat, please remember to clean the teeth and gum tissue thoroughly afterwards—especially before bedtime.

Your braces' biggest enemies

	Hard Foods: Popcorn Nuts Peanut brittle Ice cubes Hard candy Hard chips Candied apples Corn-on-the-cob (corn off the cob is better)
	Sticky Foods: Gum - no way! Fruit Roll-ups Gummy bears Taffy and caramels Starburst Bit-O-Honeys Skittles Milk Duds, etc.
	Be careful with these foods: Carrots—grate or cut into tiny pieces Apples—cut into wedges - don't bite from a whole apple Hard French bread—tear into small pieces

Other Orthodontic "No-Nos":
- Lip biting
- Pushing your tongue against your teeth
- Chewing on pencils or pens
- Tearing things with your teeth
- Biting your fingernails

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Cleaning tips

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Brushing: Step 1

Using a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste place bristles where gums and teeth meet.

Brushing: Step 2

For 10 seconds on each tooth use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines.

Brushing: Step 3

Every tooth of both arches should be brushed slowly.

Brushing: Step 4

Brush the lower teeth from gum line up and the upper teeth from the gum line down. Brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue too!

Flossing: Step 1

Carefully thread unwaxed floss between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.

Flossing: Step 2

Carefully floss around the braces.

Flossing: Step 3

Carefully floss around the gum areas.

Flossing: Step 4

Carefully floss around each tooth.

Keeping your teeth and gums clean with regular brushing and flossing is a good idea anytime. During orthodontic treatment, though, it becomes absolutely vital—and there are special considerations to keep in mind.

The importance of hygiene during orthodontic treatment: As you eat, your teeth, braces and appliances collect food. If food is left on teeth overnight, a thick plaque forms on the teeth and gums. Plaque causes bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease (swollen, puffy, red, overgrown, or bleeding gums).

Bleeding and swollen gums are a sure sign that plaque is not being properly removed. If your gums are swollen and inflamed, your teeth will not move as easily, you will experience more discomfort during your treatment, and white spots or decay will form on the teeth under and around the braces and appliances.

It is discouraging to work hard to straighten teeth, only to finish and find decay or white spots on the teeth. Don't let it happen to you. The following is essential for the proper care of your teeth and gums:

Waterpik- We highly recommend the use of a Waterpik to loosen food and plaque before flossing and brushing. The Waterpik should be used on the lower water pressure settings so the gum tissue is not excessively irritated. But remember, the use of a Waterpik does not take the place of good toothbrushing.

Medium Bristled Toothbrush - You should brush within five minutes after eating, for at least three minutes. Daily the teeth have to be brushed after every meal (this includes lunchtime) and before going to bed.

First brush horizontally with a back and forth motion above and below the wire. This method is normally forbidden when braces are not on the teeth. Next brush with a vertical up and down motion. Brush about ten times on each tooth before moving on. Scrub the chewing surfaces last. Rinse your mouth and look in the mirror to see if you missed any areas. The braces should look clean and shiny. Red-cote tablets, which can be purchased at a drugstore, will show food remaining on the teeth. Chew the tablet and rinse. Red areas should be brushed again.

Recommendations for Brushing with Braces

• Use an orthodontic toothbrush—these can prevent breakage of orthodontic appliances and are designed to reach better than standard toothbrushes.
• If possible, use an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head. The high speed vibrations created by the electric toothbrush help break down plaque.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse. This gives your teeth extra strength to fight tooth decay and helps wash away plaque.

 

Flossing
Some people think flossing is not as important as brushing, but it is just as important. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline -- cavity-prone areas your brush can't reach. If this plaque is allowed to build-up under the gumline, it can irritate your gums, and eventually lead to gum disease.

Failing to floss leaves 35 percent of your tooth surface uncleaned!

Recommendations for Flossing with Braces

• Even though it is more difficult than without braces, it is important to floss daily.
• Use a floss threader to help guide floss between braces or under the archwire.
• Rinse your teeth to wash away food or other particles that you have removed.

 

A Few Tricks - Since you probably watch some TV, try sitting down in front of the TV every day with a toothbrush (without toothpaste), and massage the teeth and gums for about 30 minutes. That will give you plenty of time to do a good job, and makes TV time more productive.

Or try brushing while listening to music or studying. You may want to use toothpaste to freshen your breath, but don't use toothpaste during this 30 minutes. Avoid the "once over lightly" technique. To concentrate better, you may use your left hand if you are right handed, and vice versa.

The most important time to brush is just before going to bed. Take your time and do it right.

Regular Dental Checkups - Although you are having your braces checked regularly, it is very important to continue to see your family dentist at least every six months for a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth. If you experience difficulty with good oral hygiene, you might need to see your dentist more frequently.
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Orthodontic Emergencies

Some minor problems can occur during orthodontic treatment—problems ranging from sore teeth and swollen gums to bent wires and broken brackets.

In most cases, you can avoid these by following the prescribed care for braces and avoiding certain foods. But even with the toughest braces and proper care, minor adjustments maybe needed sometimes. In some cases you will be able to fix the problem, but often you will need to contact us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Here are a few common problems that could occur during the course of treatment:

• Poking wires - When a loose wire pokes the inside of the teeth or cheek, cover the wire with soft wax or cotton. Rinsing with warm salt water twice a day will help ease the discomfort. Be sure to call us for a special appointment.
• Sore teeth - After most adjustment visits, you can expect to experience sore teeth to some degree, as the teeth try to gradually move into place. However, aspirin or other pain relievers should remedy the soreness in 3-5 days. Try some of our "Soothing Recipes" during this time.
• Loose bands or brackets - Sometimes bands or brackets can become loose - usually as a result of eating hard or sticky foods. These will need to be repaired, so call us right away for a special appointment.
• Lost separator - Call us and explain which separator popped out, as an appointment may not be necessary if adequate space exists between teeth.
• Lost retainer - Your retainer holds your teeth in place until the gums and roots, which move a little slower, move into place. Not wearing your retainer can cause your treatment to relapse, so contact us immediately when you lose a retainer so that another can be fitted for you.
• Allergies - Although it is very rare, some people may have allergic reactions to materials used in an orthodontic practice. If you have any known allergies, or suspect an allergic reaction, it is important that you alert our office immediately.
  (If you think you may be susceptible to allergic reactions, click here for more information)
  

Other Dental Emergencies:

If some other type of dental emergency occurs such as a laceration, puncture wound, a broken or chipped tooth, a tooth knocked out or out of place, contact us or your family dentist as soon as possible—preferably within the first 30 minutes. Do not try to force back displaced teeth or attempt to place a tooth back in its socket, as it could cause further damage.

If you have any doubts, concerns, or questions about your orthodontic treatment call us right away.

TEL: 605-335-6665

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Allergic reactions: What to look for
In rare cases, some people have reactions to the metals used in orthodontic appliances—including nickel, copper, and chrome—while others may be allergic to latex (the material used in the gloves worn by the doctor and staff).

Reactions to metal include swelling of the mouth, swelling or a rash where the metal touches your skin, and a sore mouth weeks after the appliance has been inserted.

There are two types of latex allergies—the first is quite minor and a typical reaction might be slight swelling after being touched. In extreme cases, allergic reactions to latex can include hives, swelling in the face and hands, and breathing difficulty.

If you get any extreme allergic symptoms after orthodontic treatment call our office immediately.
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Soothing Recipes

We know how those teeth can get a little sore after orthodontic adjustments, so here are some soothing recipes that we hope you and/or your child will enjoy.

Appetizers    Main Courses    Desserts

Appetizers    Main Courses    Desserts

Main Courses
Painless Pasta with Roasted Red Sweet Pepper Cream Sauce
2-8 oz containers soft style cream cheese 1 cup half and half 2 green onions, very thinly sliced 3 tbsp onion, very finely chopped 1/2 tsp basil 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp salt 2-7 oz jars roasted red sweet peppers, drained and finely chopped 12 oz angel hair pasta, cooked 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated	In a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat, melt the cream cheese, stirring often. Add the half and half. Stir in the green onions, onion, basil, garlic, salt, pepper and the red peppers. Continue to stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth and heated through. Pour over pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Serves 4-6.
Bucky Beef Enchiladas
1 lb ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 10 flour tortillas, cut into small bite-size pieces 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, chopped 1 can (4.5 oz) black olives, chopped 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies 1/2 cup water	In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain and run through a food processor or blender. In a greased 9"x13"x2" casserole dish, layer _ the mixture, tortillas, cheese, green chilies, and black olives. Repeat. In a medium sized bowl, combine the soup, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and water. Mix thoroughly and pour over the top of the layered ingredients. In a preheated oven, bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 6-8.
Wired White Pizza
1 tube (10 oz) Refrigerated pizza dough 1 container (10 oz) refrigerated alfredo sauce 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped 7-8 slices bacon, crisply fried and finely crumbled 1 jar (2.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped 7 oz hickory smoked gouda cheese, grated	Using a pizza baking sheet, follow the manufacturer's directions for handling and shaping the dough. Pre-bake the dough prior to the layering of the ingredients for 5-6 minutes at 425 degrees or until lightly golden brown. Evenly spread the alfredo sauce over the pre-baked dough and layer the remaining ingredients in the order given. Transfer the pizza to a preheated oven and bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Special Smiley Mashed Potatoes
1 package (22 oz) frozen mashed potatoes 1 tbsp butter or margerine 2 1/2 cups milk 1/2 pound ground beef, cooked, finely crumbled, and drained 1 package taco seasoning mix 1 tbsp sun dried tomatoes or 1/4 cup finely diced fresh tomatoes with skins removed 2 oz diced black olives 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese	In large microwaveable bowl, combine the potatoes, butter and milk. Microwave on high for 8 minutes. Remove bowl from microwave oven and stir the mixture well. Stir in the last 6 ingredients, return bowl to the microwave and cook 7 minutes on high. Stir well with fork to fluff.
Metal Mouth Meatballs
1 lb ground beef 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1/4 cup milk 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp minced onion 1 tbsp very finely chopped green pepper 1 egg, beaten 1/4 tsp dried oregano	Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly with hands. Form or roll into 24 equal sized balls. Place in a well-greased 9"x13"x2" casserole dish and bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Service with a smooth spaghetti sauce over soft dante angel hair pasta.
Chew-less Chili Chicken
2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup 3/4 cup chicken broth 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies 1 jar (2 oz) diced pimentos 8 flour tortillas, 7" diameter, cut into small pieces 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese	In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Reserve 1 cup of the cheese for sprinkling on top. Pour into a greased 9"x 12" x2" casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serves 4-6.

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Appetizers    Main Courses    Desserts

Desserts
Braces Friendly Banana Cream Cake
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 stick butter, softened 2 eggs 3/4 cup sour cream 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp vanilla extract 3/4 cup milk 2 cups bananas, thinly sliced	Grease a 9" x 12" x 2" baking pan and lightly dust with flour. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs on at a time. Beat in the sour cream. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing well. Beat in the vanilla, milk and bananas. Pour into the prepared baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Top with whip cream or drizzle with a chocolate topping of your choice.
Crossbite Carrot Cake
2 cups granulated sugar 2 sticks butter, softened 4 eggs 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp salt 1 can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, well drained 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups carrots, very finely grated.	Grease and lightly dust a 9"x12"x2" baking pan with flour. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt, mixing well. Beat in the pineapple, vanilla extract, and carrots. Pour into the baking pan and bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees for one hour. Allow to cool completely frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 stick butter, softened 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)	In large bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, beating until smooth. Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. Gradually beat in the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the cake. Refrigerate.

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