Life With Braces

What to expect over the first few days

Tooth Brushing & Oral Hygiene
Foods to Avoid
Appointments
Mouthguards

• There might be some general tenderness of your teeth and mouth. You may need to take some form of pain reliever (what you would normally take for a headache). This tenderness usually subsides within 3 to 7 days.
• Use the wax provided in your kit to stop the braces and wires from rubbing on the inside of your cheeks and lips to prevent sore spots.
• While your teeth are tender stick to softer foods such as pastas, fish, ice cream, custards, soups, etc.

Tooth Brushing & Oral Hygiene   

Brushing

• We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head. Electric and sonic tooth brushes are also acceptable.
• Brush your teeth after meals and snacks. Flossing is also highly recommended.
• If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
• Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day.
• We recommend that you have a regular check up with your dentist every 6 months.

Eating   

Foods to Avoid

Eating these or similar foods will break or loosen your braces. Please be careful at all times when eating:

• Cut up raw carrots, apples and corn on the cob into bite size pieces, to avoid knocking off a bracket.
• Avoid chewing on pencils, pens and fingernails.

Appointments   

• Adjustment appointments are usually 8-12 weeks apart.
• If you ever wonder what is happening with your child’s treatment, parents are welcome to come in with their child so that they can speak with Dr. Mastaj or a member of the team.
• We understand that our patients lead busy lives, however we ask that you provide our office with at least 24 hours notice should you be unable to attend your scheduled appointment.
• Cancelling an appointment may mean that your desired appointment time may then be unavailable.
• Please check in with the Welcome Desk on arrival and also prior to leaving the office.
• Late arrival for your appointment may result in the need to reschedule your appointment to another date and time. Patients who miss their appointment without prior notice may incur a fee.

Mouthguards   

• If you play contact sports such as football or hockey you need to wear a mouthguard.
• Orthodontic treatment does not include a mouthguard, but Dr. Mastaj can mold a mouth guard for you at your appointment for a nominal fee if you require one.

NOTE: Continue your regular dental check-ups with your family dentist at 6 month intervals.

Your best effort to follow instructions and your hard work will soon reward you with a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you ever have any questions/concerns regarding your Orthodontic Treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help.