If you have decided to start orthodontic treatment, I strongly recommend reading through these guidelines. Orthodontics requires discipline and patience.
“70% of treatment success depends on the patient, and 30% on the doctor.”
If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, fail to wear your elastics as prescribed, or ignore dietary guidelines, it is simply not possible for treatment to finish with optimal results.
Avoid Acidic Drinks
Do not drink carbonated beverages (cola, soda) during treatment. Acid damages tooth enamel and also dissolves the adhesive used to bond brackets, causing them to detach.
Brush After Every Meal
Patients who don’t brush regularly develop gum problems in addition to cavities. Inflamed gums release acid that weakens bracket adhesion. White spots and decay can also form around brackets that aren’t cleaned properly.
Foods to Avoid
- Hard bread crusts and pizza edges
- Popcorn, chips, ice cream cones
- Caramel, chewing gum, hard candies
- Nuts, seeds, hard snacks
- Foods you have to bite into (corn on the cob, whole apples, carrots, cucumbers)
Chewing on hard objects like pens or nails can damage brackets and extend your treatment time.
Will There Be Pain?
Your teeth may be sore for 3–5 days after brackets are placed.
- Saltwater rinse: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse well.
- Over-the-counter pain reliever: Take the same medication you would use for a headache.
- Orthodontic wax: Apply wax over any bracket that is irritating your cheek or lip.
Are My Teeth Supposed to Feel Loose?
Yes — this is completely normal and expected during treatment. Teeth must loosen slightly in order to move. Once they reach their new positions, they will firmly re-anchor into the bone.
What to Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks
Don’t panic. If a wire end is poking your cheek, use a blunt object (back of a spoon, pencil eraser) to gently tuck it behind the archwire. If the irritation continues, cover it with wax or a piece of damp cotton.
Save any piece that breaks off and bring it to your appointment — it will be reattached.