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Living With Braces Tips

Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is a project - one that requires careful attention, a diligent commitment, and yes, even some lifestyle adjustments. But the rewards are worth it!

To make your treatment as quick, effective and comfortable as possible, here are some things you need to know:

Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces

Although patients are able to eat or drink many foods while in orthodontic treatment, there are certain food culprits that can damage orthodontic appliances and braces.

Eating the wrong foods can distort wires, causing treatment delays and extra visits for repairs.

• In general, hard, brittle, crunchy and sticky foods should NOT be eaten during orthodontic treatment. Hard crunchy foods can bend and break the brackets and wires, while sticky foods may loosen them.
• Certain foods may be eaten if they are prepared in a special way. Whole fruits and vegetables or any raw foods such as apples, celery and carrots should be sliced and eaten carefully. Hard crusty breads should be broken and eaten in small pieces. Corn may be eaten if sliced off the cob.
• Do not suck on lemons or limes (citric acid in juice can dissolve tooth enamel) and especially do not suck or chew ice cubes. Chewing ice cubes can be very destructive to your orthodontic appliances and teeth. Limit foods with a high sugar content
• The best time to eat sweet food is during a meal. During a meal, the mouth produces more saliva, which helps dilute acids and rinse food from orthodontic appliances. If possible, brush immediately after eating. If it is not possible to do so, rinsing with clear water will help.
• Keep fingernails, pencils and other objects out of your mouth. Do not put anything in your mouth that may tend to bend, break, pry, pull or knock off the brackets.

The following is a list of only some of the foods you should avoid. Consult your new patient package for a more detailed list. You should use your own good judgment while eating anything. And no matter what you eat, please remember to clean the teeth and gum tissue thoroughly afterwards - especially before bedtime.

Your Braces' Biggest Enemies

Hard Foods:

• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Peanut brittle
• Ice cubes
• Hard candy
• Hard chips
• Candied apples
• Corn-on-the-cob (corn off the cob is better)

Sticky Foods:

• Gum - no way!
• Fruit Roll-ups
• Gummy bears
• Taffy and caramels
• Starburst
• Bit-O-Honeys
• Skittles
• Milk Duds, etc.

Be careful with these foods:

• Carrots - grate or cut into tiny pieces
• Apples - cut into wedges - don't bite from a whole apple
• Hard French bread - tear into small pieces

Other Orthodontic "No-No's":

• Biting your lip
• Pushing your tongue against your teeth
• Chewing on pencils or pens
• Tearing things with your teeth
• Biting your fingernails

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Cleaning Tips

Keeping your teeth and gums clean with regular brushing and flossing is a good idea anytime. During orthodontic treatment, though, it becomes absolutely vital, and there are special considerations to keep in mind.

The importance of hygiene during orthodontic treatment: As you eat, your teeth, brackets and wires collect food. If food is left on teeth overnight, thick plaque (bacterial colonies) forms on the teeth and the space between the teeth and the gums. Plaque causes bad breath, tooth decay and swollen gums (gingivitis).

Bleeding and swollen gums are a sure sign that plaque is not being properly removed. If your gums are swollen and inflamed, your teeth will not move as easily, you will experience more discomfort during your treatment, and white spots or decay will form on the teeth under and around the brackets.

It is discouraging to work hard to straighten teeth, only to finish and find decay or white spots on the teeth. Don't let it happen to you. The following is essential for the proper care of your teeth and gums:

Waterpik - We highly recommend the use of a Waterpik to loosen food and plaque before flossing and brushing. The Waterpik should be used on the lower water pressure settings so the gum tissue is not excessively irritated. But remember, the use of a Waterpik does not take the place of good brushing and flossing.

Soft Bristled Toothbrush - Use your toothbrush after each meal and before bedtime. A travel brush carried in a purse or placed in a locker is great for brushing after lunch. Examine your teeth for food and plaque and thoroughly clean all surfaces of the gums and brackets. Re-examine your teeth to make sure all visible food and plaque have been removed. Repeat this step as often as needed to ensure that no visible plaque or food remains. Extra care must be taken in the area between your gums and the braces. Concentrate on brushing your gums and the space between your gums and your teeth.

Recommendations for Brushing with Braces

• Use an orthodontic toothbrush that can prevent breakage of orthodontic appliances and is designed to fight tooth decay.
• If possible, use an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head. The high speed vibrations created by the electric toothbrush help break down plaque.
• Use a toothpaste containing aloe vera to help break up the plaque and prevent gingivitis (inflamed and bleeding gums).
• Force the bristles of a toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to go into the spaces between the teeth and the gums.

Flossing

For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day.

Use the reusable floss threader provided by our office to floss under your archwire daily. Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser through the threader and slide it up and down along the front of each tooth. You will be able to feel when the tooth is clean and hear the squeak of the floss against your clean teeth. Use care around your archwire and do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it. After you floss between your archwire and braces, floss between your other teeth and gums.

If you are flossing without the floss threader, pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, pulling out food particles or plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish. Floss behind all of your back teeth.

Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing around your braces, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, inform a staff member at your next appointment.

Failing to floss leaves 35 percent of your tooth surface uncleaned!

• Even though it is more difficult than without braces, it is important to floss daily.
• Use a floss threader to help guide floss between braces or under the arch wire.
• Rinse your teeth to wash away food or other particles that you have removed.

A Few Tricks - Since you probably watch some TV, try sitting down in front of the TV every day with a toothbrush (without toothpaste), and massage the teeth and gums for about 30 minutes. That will give you plenty of time to do a good job, and makes TV time more productive.

Or try brushing while listening to music or studying. You may want to use toothpaste to freshen your breath, but don't use toothpaste during this 30 minutes. Avoid the "once over lightly" technique. To concentrate better, you may use your left hand if you are right handed, and vice versa.

The most important time to brush is just before going to bed. Take your time and do it right.

Regular Dental Checkups - Although you are having your braces checked regularly, it is very important to continue to see your family dentist at least every six months for a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth. If you experience difficulty with good oral hygiene, you might need to see your dentist more frequently.

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Emergencies

Some minor problems can occur during orthodontic treatment, ranging from sore teeth and swollen gums to bent wires and broken brackets.

In spite of everyone's best intentions "things happen" to the wire and the brackets attached to your teeth. In most cases you will be able to fix the problem, but sometimes you will need to contact us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Here are a few common problems that could occur during the course of treatment:

• Poking wires - When the end of the arch wire pokes the gum, tongue or cheek, use the head of a small flathead screwdriver to push the wire inside the bracket. If that does not work, try bending the wire by pushing on it just behind the bracket. If this does not work, cover the end of the wire with the wax or cotton (we gave you to handle such emergencies) to prevent it from poking the gum or cheek.

  When the arch wire breaks between two brackets and pokes your gum or cheek, use the small flathead screwdriver to push the wire away from the gum or cheek. If that does not work, cover the ends of the wire with the wax or cotton (we gave you to handle such emergencies) to prevent it from poking the gum or cheek.

• Sore teeth - After most adjustment visits, you can expect to experience sore teeth to some degree for the next 2-3 days, as the teeth gradually move in response to our adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to diminish the discomfort. Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, sometimes helps. Eating very soft foods will minimize tooth soreness. Try some of our "Soothing Recipes" during this time.

• Loose bands or brackets - In the event that you loosen a band or bracket with hard or sticky food, please call us right away for a special appointment.

• Lost separator - Please call immediately and tell us which separator is missing. If there is adequate space between those teeth, you may not need a special appointment.

• Lost retainer - Your retainer holds your teeth and roots in place after the active tooth-moving appliance is removed. Please contact us immediately for a special appointment to make a new retainer to prevent your teeth from becoming crooked again (relapse).

• Allergies - Although it is very rare, some people may have allergic reactions to materials used in an orthodontic practice. If you have any known allergies, or suspect an allergic reaction, it is important that you alert our office immediately.

Other Dental Emergencies

If some other type of dental emergency occurs such as a laceration, puncture wound, a broken or chipped tooth, a tooth knocked out or out of place, contact us or your family dentist as soon as possible - preferably within the first 30 minutes. Do not try to force back displaced teeth or attempt to place a tooth back in its socket, as you could cause further damage. Wrap your tooth in a wet paper towel to keep it moist until you bring it to our office or your family dentist's office.

If you have any doubts, concerns, or questions about your orthodontic treatment, please call us immediately.

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Soothing Recipes

Appetizers

Easy on Your Teeth Deviled Eggs

6 hard boiled eggs 2 tbsp butter, melted 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tbsp prepared mustard 1/8 tsp dill weed dash hot sauce 1/8 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper paprika

Peel the eggs after they have cooled and cut into halves lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolk, place in a small bowl, and mash with fork. Add the remaining ingredients except the paprika. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Refill the egg halves with this mixture and sprinkle with paprika.

Soothing Santa Fe Chicken Chowder

2 tbsp butter 1 med onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken broth 1 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp coriander 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups very finely chopped chicken breast 1 pint half & half 1 can (15 oz) creamed sweet corn 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies 1 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese

In a dutch oven over medium high heat, melt the butter and saute the onion and garlic. Add the chicken broth, cumin, cayenne, coriander, salt and chicken. Stir, and over high heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Add the half and half, corn, tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir and increase the heat to medium. Gradually stir in the cheese until melted. Serves 4-6.

Main Courses

Eat mostly raw food for healthiest teeth, gums and jawbone.

Painless Pasta with Roasted Red Sweet Pepper Cream Sauce

2-8 oz containers soft style cream cheese 1 cup half and half 2 green onions, very thinly sliced 3 tbsp onion, very finely chopped 1/2 tsp basil 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp salt 2-7 oz jars roasted red sweet peppers, drained and finely chopped 12 oz angel hair pasta, cooked 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

In a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat, melt the cream cheese, stirring often. Add the half and half. Stir in the green onions, onion, basil, garlic, salt, pepper and the red peppers. Continue to stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth and heated through. Pour over pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Serves 4-6.

Bucky Beef Enchiladas

1 lb ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 10 flour tortillas, cut into small bite-size pieces 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, chopped 1 can (4.5 oz) black olives, chopped 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies 1/2 cup water

In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain and run through a food processor or blender. In a greased 9"x13"x2" casserole dish, layer the mixture, tortillas, cheese, green chilies, and black olives. Repeat. In a medium sized bowl, combine the soup, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and water. Mix thoroughly and pour over the top of the layered ingredients. In a preheated oven, bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 6-8.

Wired White Pizza

1 tube (10 oz) Refrigerated pizza dough 1 container (10 oz) refrigerated Alfredo sauce 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped 7-8 slices bacon, crisply fried and finely crumbled 1 jar (2.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped 7 oz hickory smoked gouda cheese, grated

Using a pizza baking sheet, follow the manufacturer's directions for handling and shaping the dough. Pre-bake the dough prior to the layering of the ingredients for 5-6 minutes at 425 degrees or until lightly golden brown. Evenly spread the alfredo sauce over the pre-baked dough and layer the remaining ingredients in the order given. Transfer the pizza to a preheated oven and bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Special Smiley Mashed Potatoes

1 package (22 oz) frozen mashed potatoes 1 tbsp butter 2 1/2 cups milk 1/2 pound ground beef, cooked, finely crumbled, and drained 1 package taco seasoning mix 1 tbsp sun dried tomatoes or 1/4 cup finely diced fresh tomatoes with skins removed 2 oz diced black olives 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

In large microwaveable bowl, combine the potatoes, butter and milk. Microwave on high for 8 minutes. Remove bowl from microwave oven and stir the mixture well. Stir in the last 6 ingredients, return bowl to the microwave and cook 7 minutes on high. Stir well with fork to fluff.

Metal Mouth Meatballs

1 lb ground beef 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1/4 cup milk 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 tsp minced onion 1 tbsp very finely chopped green pepper 1 egg, beaten 1/4 tsp dried oregano

Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly with hands. Form or roll into 24 equal sized balls. Place in a well-greased 9"x13"x2" casserole dish and bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Service with a smooth spaghetti sauce over soft, andante angel hair pasta.

Chew-less Chili Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup 3/4 cup chicken broth 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies 1 jar (2 oz) diced pimentos 8 flour tortillas, 7" diameter, cut into small pieces 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Reserve 1 cup of the cheese for sprinkling on top. Pour into a greased 9"x 12" x2" casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serves 4-6.

Desserts

NO DESSERTS WITH WHITE OR BROWN SUGAR

• Pan-fried plantain (Platanos) strips with refried beans and "Cream Fraiche" (a sweet sour cream by Alta Dena Dairy) on the side.
• Fresh, raw diced fruit salad
• Banana
• Papaya
• Baked Rome beauty apples with honey
• Apple or apricot sauce, etc.
• Other soft raw or cooked fruits with NO SUGAR ADDED.

If you do use these desserts, please use as little as possible - one dessert a day at most. Even natural fruit sugar will cause caries (tooth decay or cavities) if too much is consumed.

• Please drink only water. Bottled spring water is best.
• NO SODAS OF ANY KIND!
• NO SWEETENED DRINKS OR FRUIT JUICES.
• Eat the whole fruit instead.
• NO MILK - contains lactose (sugar) and alters appetite unfavorably. Your child will have a better appetite without milk in the diet during orthodontic treatment.

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