Living with Braces

LIVING WITH BRACES

Return to Thinkquest

Return to Home Page

Visit Our Links Page

Go to Site Map

If you would like to read our story about a girl that gets braces click here

If you would like to read the journal Madeline wrote about her first few months with braces click here

Please write to our guest book about your advice and experiences.

If it makes you feel better, lots of celebrities have had braces. If you would like to see a list of some of them click here

The orthodontists at Align Orthodontics in Alberta, Canada have these tips for keeping your teeth and gums healthy while you wear braces:

Use a fluoride toothpaste when you brush
Use a soft bristled brush and change it at least every six months.
Use Hygiene Aids such as Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, proxy brushes, fluoride mouth rinses. They are not a substitute for brushing and flossing
A fluoride gel may be prescribed if needed to prevent cavities
Use an egg timer or watch to measure your brushing time. A minimum of five minutes is needed.
Use a waxed floss to help prevent fraying. A floss threader or Superfloss with the threader attached are helpful in flossing under braces.
Keep a supply of floss, brushes, mouth rinses and other aids with you at home, school, work or when you travel so you can clean your teeth after every meal.
Maintain regular three to six month checkups with your dentist. Wires can be removed for cleanings by the orthodontist and then put back on.

HERE ARE SOME PAGES ABOUT BRUSHING, FLOSSING, KEEPING YOUR TEEH CLEAN AND HEALTHY. STUFF LIKE THAT.

Tools for Home

Dr. Wright's Advice About Brushing

Poster about Brushing and Flossing

Watch out for Sticky, Gooey, Hard to Chew and Hard Foods.

HERE ARE SOME PAGES ABOUT FOODS TO AVOID AND TIPS FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF MISERY.

Advice about the First Few Days

Foods to Eat and Avoid

Soft Foods for Sore Days

Dr. Kampas' says that its normal to have some discomfort when teeth move. Many people report tooth soreness for 3 to 4 days following the changing or adjustment of archers. Most people become accustomed to tooth movement following the first few visits. Your normal pain reliever such as tylenol or Ibuprofen can make you more comfortable.

When appliances are first places, some sore spots may develop on the cheeks and lips until things toughen up. Wax can be placed over the offending bracket. Some patients wish to place some medication over the sore cheek or lip while it heals. There are a number of products at the drug store that cover the irritated area. (Ziladent or Orabase)

If there is a sharp pain, or you feel something is not right, please call your orthodontist.

WHEN YOU HAVE AN APPLIANCE, HERE ARE SOME PAGES OF ADVICE ABOUT WHAT TO DO AT HOME

Bionators	Expanders	Retainers	Headgear
Tongue Thrust Appliance	Herbst Appliance	Pictures and Descriptions of Appliances	Poster about Appliances

Remember what Dr. Rintel Says: Cooperation Moves Teeth

HERE ARE SOME PAGES OF ADVICE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN IT HURTS

Braces First Aid

Mouthguards

Canker Sores

HERE IS ADVICE ABOUT BREAKING HABITS THAT WILL CAUSE YOU PROBLEMS

Advice About Thumb Sucking

Advice About the Tongue Thrust Habit

If you have any questions, you should ask your orthodontist. To help you explain the problem to your family or doctor, here is a glossary of orthodontic words with pictures and definitions . Click here to go to the Glossary

**DON'T WORRY. SMILE!**
**Here is a Canadian Boy Scout Song Sung to the Tune of the New Year Song called "Auld Lang Syne"**
A smile is quite a funny thing It wrinkles up your face. And when it's gone you never find Its secret hiding place. But far more wonderful it is To see what smiles can do. You smile at one, he smiles at you And so one smile makes two.	He smiles at someone, since you smile And then that one smiles back. And that one smiles until, in truth You fail in keeping track. And since a smile can do great good By cheering hearts of care, Let's smile and not forget the fact That smiles go everywhere.

Return to Home Page