Here at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics, we take pride in helping to give patients the best possible experience. Having to wear a fixed appliance can be troubling at first since it is hard to know exactly how to take care of these appliances and what to do – and not to do – while wearing them.
We have some instructions for what patients wearing fixed appliances can do to ensure their appliances are kept safe and secure. Please read through them and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Brushing & Flossing
Brushing and flossing are important for maintaining your teeth. Be sure that you brush your teeth thoroughly after each meal and floss once per day after brushing.
You should be brushing your teeth in all directions, and fluoride toothpaste should be used for brushing to help protect against cavities. Also, it is a good idea to use a fluoride-based mouth rinse at night after brushing right before bedtime.
Honing Your Eating Habits
Eating habits are crucial for maintaining your fixed appliance. Please refrain from eating anything hard, chewy, or sticky. Things you should keep from eating include:
- Corn off the cob (it should be cut off instead)
- Whole fruits or veggies (again, they should be cut up)
- No popcorn, ice cubes, or nuts
- No caramel, whole bagels, or taffy
- Do not bite into ribs or chicken on the bone
How to Handle Irritation
If irritation occurs, there are steps you can take to reduce it. Covering the appliance with white wax can help stop irritation from spreading and worsening.
Also, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby lessening the pain caused by the irritation. Finally, take a mild analgesic if you experience tooth soreness. It is essentially the same thing that you would take for a headache or other minor type of pain.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
There are a few more things you need to keep in mind regarding your treatment:
- Treatment gets prolonged by unkept appointments.
- Always bring your functional device, retainer, or night brace with you to each appointment at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
- Your cooperation in wearing all your devices is essential for the success of your treatment.
Contact Our Norfolk Orthodontics Office Today
If you need to ask any questions, please call our Norfolk orthodontics office today. We are also here if you need to call about your appliance breaking, as we will need to schedule a special appointment to get it repaired.
Remember, if you need to reschedule an appointment, please do so as soon as possible. We appreciate a call 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
