Congratulations on beginning your orthodontic journey! To ensure successful treatment and achieve the best results, follow these guidelines carefully.
1. Oral Hygiene
- Brush Thoroughly After Each Meal:
- Braces can trap food, leading to bad breath and white spots around the brackets. Brush thoroughly to keep your teeth and brackets clean.
2. Keep Your Appointments
- Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your progress, make adjustments, and keep your treatment on schedule. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully to avoid delays.
3. Be Patient
- Orthodontic treatment times vary depending on individual needs. The process involves gradual bone remodeling around your teeth, so allow enough time for the adjustments to take effect.
4. Foods to Avoid
Protect your braces and ensure comfort by avoiding:
- Gum (including sugar-free gum)
- Sticky or chewy candies (e.g., Skittles, Gummy Bears, caramels, Tootsie Rolls)
- Hard foods (e.g., nuts, chips, bagels, pizza crust)
- Corn on the cob (cut it off the cob before eating)
- Undiluted lemon juice or raw lemons
- Chewing on ice
5. Spacers
- What to Expect:
- Spacers create space for the bands that will be placed around your back teeth. It’s normal to feel pressure or discomfort.
- Pain Relief:
- Over-the-counter medication like Panadol can help ease discomfort.
6. Rubber Bands (Elastics)
- Follow Instructions:
- If rubber bands are part of your treatment, wear them as instructed to keep your progress on track.
7. Adjusting to Braces
- Eating with Braces:
- After adjustments, you may feel pressure on your teeth, making eating uncomfortable. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soups until the discomfort subsides.
- Using Orthodontic Wax:
- To prevent irritation to your cheeks and lips:
- Dry the area around the bracket.
- Roll a small ball of orthodontic wax and apply it where the braces are causing discomfort.
- To prevent irritation to your cheeks and lips:
8. Familiarize Yourself with Your Braces
- Learn about the different parts of your braces and how they function. If you experience issues, refer to the provided information or contact us for guidance.
By following these instructions, you’ll help ensure the success of your treatment and achieve your desired results.
This instruction applies to our Orthodontics services, specifically for braces, spacers, and rubber bands.