Patient Information

Basically nothing chewy, sticky, or hard.
The appliances and brackets that you are wearing are not indestructible. The list of *foods to avoid* include: Fritos, Doritos, or any hard chips, gum, taffy, hard rolls, hard pretzels, any sticky, chewy, and hard food. No chewing on ice, licorice, hard toast, biting into apples and raw carrots (sliced are okay), peanut brittle, candied apples, biting into hard ice cream pops, popsicles, etc, caramels, and chewy candy. Also, please do not chew on pens, pencils, or other hard objects.
It is OK to eat popcorn with your braces—just be careful not to bite onto hard unpopped kernals. Also, a small stick of sugarless gum every now and then is OK as well.

Only for a little while ;) Dr. Cordray understands that it difficult to avoid many of these foods. However, the better that your orthodontic appliances function, the sooner you should be able to have them removed. Then, with your beautiful smile you can go back to enjoying all the foods that you love.

Your teeth will usually feel sore for three to five days after most orthodontic appointments. It helps to avoid hard foods or vigorous chewing until the soreness subsides. If you feel discomfort, take whatever over the counter anti-inflammatories that you normally take for pain (Advil, Tylenol, etc.). If the discomfort persists, please call our office.

During orthodontic treatment, you may find that your teeth may be sensitive to heat and cold and contact. This is normal and is caused by the movement of your teeth in the bone; it is seldom due to tooth decay.

All of our patients are strongly urged and expected to wear mouthguards during sports participation. We provide our patients with free mouthguards during orthodontic treatment and we will fit the mouthguard to your appliances. It is important that your mouthguard fit properly as an improper fitting mouthguard can prohibit tooth movement or cause breakage of appliances. Mouthguards help in two ways:
1. to prevent chipping or fracturing of your teeth
2. to prevent your lips from getting smashed into your braces.

Generally, playing a wind instrument won’t interfere with orthodontic treatment unless you practice many hours each day. At first, the appliance may irritate your lips. If this becomes a problem, please let us know.

If you notice a loose band or bracket, call us as soon as possible so that we can set up a repair appointment. A more frequent problem, but one you can easily prevent, is decalcification or staining of the teeth around your brackets. This may occur if you do not brush your teeth properly after each meal. Braces DO NOT cause decay/decalcification—not maintaining good oral hygiene does. Preventing this is simple and it’s up to you. One good (conscientious) brushing before you go to bed is usually all it takes to keep your mouth healthy while in treatment.

The fees for orthodontic treatment do not include treatment in another dental office such as cleanings, examinations, x-rays, restorations, the removal of teeth, gum surgery, or jaw surgery. We strongly urge our patients to visit their family dentist at least every 6 months for routine check-ups and cleanings. Adult patients may wish to visit more often; we advise every 3 to 4 months.

If you have an emergency on a weekend or day that the office is closed, please call the office phone number. The message will direct you to a person who is capable of taking care of your emergency. If you are unable to contact us, contact your family dentist or call Dr. Cordray at home.

Now that you have your appliances, you must be sure to brush your teeth and gums, better than ever before. Take extra care in the area between the gums and your brackets. Food that collects around your bands, brackets, and wires can cause swollen gums, permanent stains (decalcification), and cavities. And remember, the healthier your mouth is, the faster your teeth move! :)

Brush your teeth with a medium nylon toothbrush after you eat and before bed.
Waterpics are useful for removing food and debris but don’t remove plaque—brushing every 24 hours removes the layers of plaque that accumulate and form calculus.