Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth with Braces!

Getting braces is a very exciting time! However, now that you have an Orthodontic Plan, it is especially important to maintain proper oral hygiene, as well as making extra time to care for your appliances.

1. See your Dentist every six months for a thorough check up and cleaning.
2. Brush for two minutes three times per day, floss daily, and use mouth rinse regularly.
3. Avoid foods and drinks with high sugar content.

Initial placement of braces and adjustments can cause minor discomfort. You should take Ibuprofen or Tylenol one hour before your braces are placed or adjusted to help prevent tooth soreness. Once braces are placed, use orthodontic wax for any areas that irritate your cheeks, tongue, or lips.

Staying on schedule with your treatment is key, so make sure you’re following all guidelines placed by your Lawless Orthodontics Team.

1. Prevent broken brackets or appliances. Avoid hard, sticky, chewy, crunchy foods listen below.
2. Call as soon as possible if you have any broken brackets, attachment, or appliances.
3. Keep your scheduled appointments and arrive on time; If you must cancel, it is your responsibility to reschedule.
4. Always wear rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed by Dr. Lawless

Patient care and comfort is a priority at Lawless Orthodontics. Following the simple steps will ensure a safe, healthy, and effective personalized treatment with our team.

FOODS TO AVOID:

Hard: Bagels, Combos, Beef Jerkey, Corn on the Cob, Cough Drops, Croutons, Jaw Breakers, Jolly Ranchers, Ribs, Hard Shell Tacos, and Suckers.

Chewy & Sticky: Caramel, Fruit Roll Ups, Fruit Snacks, Gushers, Gummi Bears, Laffy Taffy, Life Savers, Jelly Beans, Milk Duds, Rice Krispies, Slim Jim, Star Burst, Skittles, Tootsie Rolls, and Gum.

Crunchy: Popcorn, Cheetos, Doritos, Fritos, hard Fruits, Ice, Oreos, Payday, Peanut M&M’s, Snickers, Tostitos, and Twix.