Life With Braces

LIFE WITH BRACES

Having braces is much more comfortable than it used to be. Dr. Tran uses the latest orthodontic technology to make your time in braces faster, more aesthetic and more comfortable than ever.

The first few days after each appointment may include some tenderness. Some minor discomfort is normal. Your teeth may feel “loose” but that’s OK – it means your teeth are doing what they’re supposed to do – move! You may want to keep some over-the-counter pain reliever handy to alleviate any discomfort.

EMERGENCIES

Although actual orthodontic emergencies are rare, if a traumatic event occurs, contact our office as soon as possible (502) 245-8726. If it is after hours, feel free to call Dr. Tran’s cell phone (502) 777-3751.

Here are some home tips to help with minor orthodontic discomfort or irritations:

Loose or Broken Brackets (or Wires): If any part of your braces become loose or break, call our office to find out if you can wait until your next scheduled visit. If your braces are causing irritation, you may use orthodontic wax to cover it, or move a wire back into place with a pencil eraser, Q-tip, or small pair of tweezers.
Tooth Pain:
It is normal to feel some tooth pain after getting braces, or having a braces adjustment. To alleviate the pain, over-the-counter pain relievers should do the trick. Rinsing your mouth with a salt water solution (8 ounces of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of salt) can help provide relief from mouth ulcers. Topical numbing solutions, such as Ora-base, are also helpful.

THE BLACK LIST

Avoid consuming foods with a hard, chewy, or sticky texture. These could include:
  • ICE
  • TAFFY
  • BEEF JERKY
  • SHELLED NUTS
  • GUM (SUGARLESS IS FINE)
  • PENS/PENCILS (NO CHEWING)
  • HARD CANDY (IE. SUCKERS)
  • TOUGH BREADS
SLICE-N-DICE: Eat what you love, but in bite-sized morsels. For example:
  • SLICED APPLES
  • GRATED CARROTS
  • CUBED MEAT
  • POPCORN (AVOID KERNELS)
  • CHIPS (CAREFUL OF THE EDGES)
  • PIZZA CRUST

KNOW YOUR LIMITS:
As a general rule, avoid consuming lots of sugar, or at least brush immediately afterwards to avoid cavities around the brackets. Remember, this is not an all-inclusive list; it’s a guideline for types of foods to avoid. Broken braces will result in a longer treatment time.

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

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