A Parent's Guide to Orthodontic Treatment: Understanding Preventive, Interceptive, and Comprehensive Care by Dr.Sneha Poeghal - HTML preview
PLEASE NOTE: This is an HTML preview only and some elements such as links or page numbers may be incorrect.
Download the book in PDF, ePub, Kindle for a complete version.
Download the book in PDF, ePub, Kindle for a complete version.
Chapter 17: Life With Braces or Aligners — Eating, Hygiene, and Emergencies
Eating With Braces
• Avoid hard foods (nuts, hard candy, ice) that can crack or dislodge brackets.
• Avoid sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum, toffee) that can pull brackets loose or get trapped in the appliance.
• Cut harder fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces rather than biting directly into them with the front teeth.
Oral Hygiene With Braces
• Brush after every meal where possible, using an orthodontic toothbrush or a regular soft brush angled carefully around each bracket.
• Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean underneath the archwire, where a regular floss strand can't easily reach.
• Consider an antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinse, particularly during the months when hygiene around brackets is still becoming a habit.
Oral Hygiene With Aligners
• Brush and floss normally before reinserting aligners after each meal, since food and plaque otherwise get trapped directly against the teeth.
• Clean the aligners themselves with a soft brush and lukewarm water, avoiding hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Common Emergencies and What to Do
|
Situation |
What to Do at Home |
When to Call the Clinic |
|
Poking wire |
Cover the end with orthodontic wax |
If wax doesn't relieve irritation within a day or two |
|
Loose bracket |
Leave in place if not causing pain; avoid chewing on that side |
Schedule a repair visit as soon as convenient |
|
Lost aligner |
Wear the previous tray if it still fits comfortably |
Contact the clinic promptly to avoid delaying the schedule |
|
General soreness after adjustment |
Over-the-counter pain relief as advised by your dentist; soft foods for a day or two |
If pain is severe or doesn't improve after a few days |