EATING HABITS AND COMMON PROBLEMS WITH BRACES

These types of food may cause trouble with braces:

1. HARD FOODS may do damage by bending the wires, loosening the cement under the bands, or breaking the brackets and

tubes that are attached to the bands. Some of the foods of this type are listed below with ways they may be eaten -- if

practical.

CORN ON THE COB Should be cut off the cob.

RAW CARROTS Cut into carrot "curls" which are thin. Chew with the back teeth.

CELERY Chew with the back teeth.

APPLES Cut into wedges.

POPCORN ABSOLUTELY NOT!! The hard kernels are murder on the wires

and brackets! The husks can get trapped between teeth and gums

causing serious swelling and infection.

HARD BREAD Tear off pieces and DON'T bite into the crust with the front teeth.

ICE CUBES DON'T chew ice cubes!

2. STICKY FOODS damage appliances by bending the wires and pulling the cement seal loose. Stay away from gummy

bears, taffy, sugar daddies, caramels, and suger gum.

*Sometimes it O.K. to chew sugarless gum for the first two days after your appointment if your teeth really hurt—

the chewing action helps the teeth feel better.

3. FOODS HIGH IN SUGAR CONTENT should be avoided--especially between meals! Brush your teeth thoroughly and

immediately after eating any really sweet foods or snacks.

Take a toothbrush to school with you!

BROKEN APPLIANCES:

Broken/Loose Bands: In spite of being careful, you may occasionally do some damage to your braces. If a band

comes loose from a tooth, call us immediately. A tight band actually protects a tooth from decay, but a loose band lets food

sit next to the tooth enamel and may cause decay and bad breath. Be sure to mention any loose bands to your orthodontist

and if you're away from this area, have an orthodontist or dentist cut the fine little tie wire and take the band off. SAVE

THIS BAND and bring it to your next appointment.

Loose Wires: If a wire is poking your cheeks in the back, first try and push the wire into place with a toothbrush or

pencil eraser. You can put a piece of wax, chewing gum, or cotton over the sharp end that is sticking out. Sometimes it seems

like the wire has gotten “longer” but what really has happened is that the wire just shifted to one side. If you can slide the

wire through the brackets to the side that isn’t hurting, it might stop the wire from poking you. If these do not bring some

relief, call the office. If you have a broken main archwire, call the office for an appointment. If the small tie wires around the

individual brackets are broken, carefully remove them and call the office.