Mint Hill Smiles

Dentist in Mint Hill, NC

Braces Care Instructions | Mint Hill Smiles

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Braces gradually move your teeth into alignment,

and a little care at home keeps treatment on track and comfortable. The two things that matter most are protecting the braces from foods that can damage them and keeping your teeth clean around the brackets. Here is what to know.

The First Few Days and After Adjustments

  • – It is normal for your teeth to feel sore and tender for a few days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. This is the teeth beginning to move and it improves within a few days.
  • – Soft foods are easier during these tender periods.
  • – Orthodontic wax, which we provide, can be placed over any bracket or wire that is irritating your cheek or lip. Just dry the area, pinch off a small piece, and press it over the spot.
  • – A warm salt water rinse soothes irritated tissue while your mouth gets used to the braces.
Patient showing improved smile after receiving dental care without insurance in Mint Hill, NC

Keeping Your Teeth Clean

This is essential. Braces trap food and make brushing harder, and poor cleaning during treatment can leave permanent white marks on the teeth when the braces come off.

    • – Brush after every meal, getting above and below each bracket.
    • – Floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get under the wire.
    • – A water flosser is extremely helpful for cleaning around brackets and wires.

When to Call Us

Call (704) 323-7577 if a bracket comes loose, a wire is poking and wax is not helping, or you have persistent pain.
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Teeth typically feel sore for a few days after braces are placed and after each adjustment, then the soreness fades. Soft foods, warm salt water rinses, and over-the-counter pain relief as directed help during those days.
Cover the wire with orthodontic wax to stop the irritation. If it keeps poking and wax is not enough, call us so we can adjust it.
Brush after every meal above and below each bracket, floss daily with a floss threader or orthodontic floss, and use a water flosser if you have one. Good cleaning prevents permanent white marks and decay around the brackets.
Call us at (704) 323-7577 to schedule a repair. In the meantime, if the loose bracket is poking or uncomfortable, cover it with wax. A loose bracket left unrepaired can slow your treatment.
It is common for the brackets to irritate your cheeks and lips in the first week or two until your mouth toughens up. Orthodontic wax over the brackets and warm salt water rinses help a great deal during the adjustment period.

Questions after your appointment?

Call Mint Hill Smiles at (704) 323-7577. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
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