Will it hurt?
The procedure doesn't hurt, but you may have soreness a few hours later and for several days. Soft foods will make eating more comfortable. Take what you would normally take for a headache an hour before dinner and again when you wake up in the morning. Continue this is needed.
What do I do if my braces are rubbing the inside of my cheeks?
Dry the area with a napkin or a tissue and apply wax. Over-the-counter ointments are available to help with these areas (e.g. Orabase). During the first few weeks, your lips will "toughen up" in response to your brackets.
What is the most important part of my treatment?
Keeping your teeth clean and continuing to see your dentist every six months for a basic cleaning.
What happens if something is broken or loose?
Please notify us as soon as possible if an appliance is broken or if a wire is poking you.
What foods do I need to avoid?
Avoid eating anything sticky or chewy (e.g. taffy, caramel, Airheads, Skittles, etc.), crunchy or hard (hard candies, hard pretzels, ice, etc.), biting into anything with a hard center (e.g. ribs or chicken legs), biting off parts of food (e.g. cut up apples and corn on the cob), and sucking on lemons.
Can I chew gum?
You may chew sugar-free gum (helps relieve aches and tenderness) and eat popcorn, but avoid eating the kernels that have not completely been popped.
Can I drink sodas?
You may drink sodas, but make sure you brush immediately afterward or at least rinse with water.