Patient Instructions

Foods during treatment

During orthodontic treatment, it is important to eat suitable foods and minimize sugar consumption. Your brackets are precision devices that can be damaged by eating hard foods. Some sticky foods can also damage your dental appliances in addition to promoting tooth decay. Fruits and vegetables should be cooked or cut into pieces. Avoid biting hard objects like pencils. It’s a matter of common sense! Avoid easting a lot of acidic foods.  Beverages that contain sugar, such as soft drinks (Coke, Pepsi, etc.), should be avoided.

Foods to be avoided

• Caramel
• Jujubes
• Chewing gum
• Ice
• Hard candy
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Corn chips (Doritos, Ringolos)

Foods to be cut up

• Raw fruits (in quarters)
• Raw vegetables(in sticks)
• Any other crunchy food
• Bread and pizza crusts
• Corn on the cob
• Meat on the bone (chicken wings, ribs)

Hygiene measures

Brushing and flossing take longer when wearing braces, but it is extremely important to do both regularly. A soft-bristled manual toothbrush is perfectly adequate, but patients who have more difficulty with brushing should use an electric brush, such as the Sonicare® brush. Brush after each meal and before bedtime. If you cannot brush immediately, at least rinse your mouth or use the interdental brush. Floss once a day.

Brushing

Using a brush with some toothpaste, place the bristles where the gums and teeth meet.

Then brush towards the tip of the tooth (downwards for the upper teeth and upwards for the lower teeth) on each tooth.

Make circular movements near the gum, 10 seconds per tooth.

Also brush the top and back of all your teeth and do not forget to brush your tongue and palate.

Also brush the top and back of all your teeth and do not forget to brush your tongue and palate.

Dental floss

Use a floss threader or Superfloss under the orthodontic wire.

Floss carefully under the gums, going to the bottom.

Floss carefully around each tooth.

Poor oral hygiene can cause irreparable damage to teeth such as cavities or permanent whitish spots called decalcifications.

Retainer

As soon as your treatment has been completed and your bracketshave been removed, fixed and/or removable retainers will be put in place. Proper use of your retainers is essential for establishing a stable dental link and keeping your smile bright. Removable devices should always be worn as
directed by the orthodontist.