CURRENT PATIENTS
in Oakville

For our amazing patients

We’re thrilled to have you as part of our valued patient community! Your comfort and satisfaction are paramount to us, and we’re always here to address any questions or concerns you may have. If you’re short on time, feel free to explore the resources listed below to get started.

General Braces Care

Now that you’ve embarked on your orthodontic journey with braces, it’s essential to understand how to care for them properly throughout your treatment. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial with braces. Brush and floss after every meal to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental cleanings every 3-4 months are also recommended.

Brushing

  • Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, ensure you brush for two minutes after every meal with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Utilize gentle circular motions, angling the brush at 45 degrees to the gum line. Pay special attention to areas around your brackets and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
  • Be sure to review the instructional videos and information provided to you at the appointment you first had your braces, appliance, or aligners placed. If you cannot find it, call us and we would be happy to send you your info package again.

Flossing

  • Flossing with braces requires the use of floss or orthodontic floss picks. Slide the floss between each tooth, ensuring to clean beneath the gum line.
  • We also highly recommend incorporating a water flosser into your routine for thorough cleaning.

Playing Sports

  • Great news for athletes – you can continue playing sports during orthodontic treatment! Just remember to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. Let us know if you need a mouthguard – orthodontic mouth guards are available for purchase in the office.

Eating with braces

During the initial days with braces, opt for softer foods to ease discomfort. Throughout treatment, avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to your braces.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Chewy foods: bagels, licorice
  • Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
  • Sticky foods: caramel candies, chewing gum
  • Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
  • Foods requiring biting into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods to Enjoy:

  • Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
  • Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
  • Grains: pasta, soft cooked rice
  • Meats/poultry: soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats, meat cut into small pieces
  • Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
  • Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
  • Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
  • Treats: ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, cake

Emergency Care

While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we’re here to assist you when needed. Call us at 905-844-5311 if you experience severe pain or encounter a problematic appliance.

However, you may find it surprising that you can often address several issues on your own temporarily until you are able to get to the office! If there’s a loose component that you can remove, store it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it along to your next appointment.

Even after easing your discomfort, it’s crucial to contact our office promptly to arrange a repair. Delaying the fix could potentially disrupt your treatment plan and lead to a longer treatment time.

Soreness

When you first start wearing braces, you might experience slight tenderness or soreness in your teeth, which is completely normal. To ease any discomfort, consider taking a pain reliever like Advil or Tylenol, similar to what you’d use for a headache. Additionally, it’s common for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to feel irritated during the initial 1-2 weeks until they toughen up and adjust to the braces. Included in your oral hygiene kit is wax that can be applied to some of your braces to alleviate discomfort. Before applying wax to a specific bracket, ensure it’s dry for better adhesion. We also suggest rinsing with warm saltwater for a few minutes to provide further relief.

Loose Wire or Bracket

If the loose bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. To temporarily address the loose wire, try using a pencil eraser to gently push it down or apply wax to prevent it from poking. If adjusting the wire doesn’t alleviate discomfort, consider using nail clippers to trim it behind the last securely fastened tooth. Should the wire still feel sharp, apply more wax for protection.

Appliance Care

Consistent wear of rubber bands, retainers, or other appliances is vital for successful treatment. Damaged appliances can prolong your treatment, so handle them with care by following the guidelines on Foods to Avoid and brushing and cleaning your appliances regularly. If you feel your appliance become accidentally damaged, please call us right away 905-844-5311 and we will help guide you on next steps!

Your journey to a beautiful smile is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

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