LIFE WITH BRACES

Things to Know About Braces and Retainers

150 Islip Ave Suite #3, Islip, NY 11751 / Phone: 631-581-6565

115-25 Metropolitan Ave Suite #4, Kew Gardens, NY 11418 / Phone: 718-846-4400

Take the Steps to Ensure Your Braces or Retainers Are Effective

We’ll help you ensure your treatment plan or your orthodontic equipment is not affected in any way when you first start using braces or retainers.

Here at iCare Orthodontics, we have over 40 years of experience and puts it to good use by compiling a list of things you need to keep in mind to improve the efficiency of your braces or retainer. If you have any questions, you can visit our office in Islip or Richmond Hill in New York or give us a call. We provide a FREE new patient kit for our clients after dental treatments.

Eating with braces

What things should you avoid eating?

You should avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Try to stick to soft foods for the first few days. Make sure you protect your orthodontic equipment when you eat.

Foods to avoid include:

Hard foods
Sticky foods
Chewy foods
Crunchy foods
Foods you have to bite into, such as corn on the cob, apples and carrots

General soreness

You will experience general soreness for the first few days of having braces. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help soothe this pain. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Take over-the-counter pain medicine if your pain is severe. Put wax on your braces to reduce irritation in your tongue, cheeks, or lips.

Loosening of teeth

This is normal! Your teeth must loosen first in order to be moved. Your teeth will return to their corrected positions.

Care of appliances

It is essential that you wear the rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances as prescribed by the doctor. This ensures correct positioning of your teeth and jaw. Damaged appliances may lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

Once you have braces, brushing and flossing become even more crucial in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Retainers and expanders

Wear your retainers 100% of the time
Remove your retainers when eating
Clean retainers thoroughly each day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm water
Always store your retainers in their case when in use
Practice speaking, reading or singing with your retainer in to expedite the process of getting used to doing these things
If retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately
Always bring your retainers to your appointments
Do not swim with retainers

Fixed expander instructions

Turn your expansion screws as instructed. Insert the key into the hole and turn toward the arrow
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, stop turning the expander

Athletics

If you play sports, you should consult your doctor about special precautions you must take. We advise that you wear a protective mouth guard when playing any contact sport.

Loose wire or band

Don’t be alarmed over a loose wire or band. If the wire is irritating or is protruding, use a blunt instrument to gently push the wire under the archwire. Use wax or wet cotton on the wire if you experience irritation on your lips or in your mouth. Come in to get it checked and repaired.

Emergency care

If you’re in severe pain, have a loose band, broken wire, or something sticking out that you can’t take care of then an emergency appointment may be necessary. If you learn the names of the parts of your appliances then we may be able to identify which part is broken or out of place when you call our office.

Call to schedule a FREE consultation today.

631-581-6565

"I had a great experience getting my braces at iCare Orthodontics and would recommend the office to anyone. The staff is very friendly and professional, and was able to answer the many questions I have had. To top it off, my teeth look and feel great!"

- Claire M.