Do braces hurt?
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may feel tender to biting pressures for three to five days. If the tenderness is severe, take whatever you normally would for headache or similar pain (Tylenol, Motrin or Advil). If you ever have concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office and we will be happy to help and provide advice.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Are there foods to avoid if I have braces?
Yes, if possible it is a good idea to avoid:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, candy
- Foods you have to bite hard into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
- Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can be damaging to the braces causing treatment to take longer.
How do I take care of my orthodontic appliance(s)?
Listen and work together with Dr. Paxon and our treatment team! Our orthodontic assistants will take the time to advise on appliance operation, wear time, parent how to’s and what ideal compliance looks like to get the best results possible. Brushing and flossing regularly is super important during treatment (healthy teeth move faster!) and will have a positive impact on your finished smile.
Can I play sports during orthodontic treatment?
Yes, you can – with special precautions. Ask our team about special mouthguards advised for playing contact sports. The mouthguards are complimentary or get a custom mouthguard for a fee.
What happens if one of my brackets, bands, or buttons becomes loose?
Firstly, this is totally normal and can happen often at the beginning of treatment. If a bracket comes loose, but is not bothering you, phone our office to let us know. We will make sure we have adequate time at your next regular appointment to repair it. A loose bracket or band does not require an emergency visit to the office.
If a loose bracket is irritating or bothering you, please phone our office 250-493-4118 right away and we will book you an appointment to get it fixed as soon as possible.
What should I do if I have an emergency?
Emergencies in orthodontics are very rare but in the case of a true orthodontic emergency or an accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliance is damaged, phone our office and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible.