LIFE WITH BRACES
Now that you have your braces on (or you will shortly), how do you take care of them?
This is important information because damaged braces or appliances are the surest way to increase the length of your treatment process.
Eating with Braces
As soon as you get your braces put on, you will probably want to stick to soft foods. Your teeth are likely to be a little tender, and soft foods will make things feel like normal more quickly. Definitely avoid hard breads and raw vegetables, like carrots. Before long you’ll be able to bite into a cucumber again. But as long as you’re wearing braces, you’ll need to protect them while you eat.
Here is a list of foods to avoid while you’re in braces:
- Chewy foods, or foods that get stuck in your braces – bagels, potato chips (Doritos are the worst offenders!)
- Crunchy foods – popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods – caramels, chewy candy (like Starburst), certain types of gum
- Hard foods – nuts, hard candy (like Jolly Ranchers), hard pizza crusts
- Foods you have to bite into – corn on the cob, apples, carrots*
* If you want to eat foods you would ordinarily bite into, you still can! Just cut these foods into bite-size pieces first, and place pieces into the back of your mouth. So… cut the corn off the cob, and cut carrots and apples into small pieces rather than biting off a mouthful. Biting normally into hard foods like these is a sure way to damage your braces.
Lastly, chewing on hard objects (for example, pens, pencils, soda can tabs) can also damage your braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer. Moreover, many “emergency” appointments to repair damaged braces can be avoided merely by staying away from problem foods and objects.
General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel some general soreness in your mouth. It is very normal for your teeth to be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. To feel better, you may choose to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Dissolve 1 teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously for a few minutes. If the tenderness continues to be uncomfortable we recommend that you take whatever you would normally for headaches or similar pains. (But never exceed the dosing outlined on the bottle.) We promise, your mouth will not be sore forever!
You should also expect that your lips, cheeks, and tongue might become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to your new braces. The orthodontic wax we give you can be placed on any rough surface until your mouth has gotten used to your new braces. With orthodontic wax, the trick to remember is that less is more.
Loosening of Teeth
This is to be expected throughout treatment. Do not worry! It is completely normal. Teeth must first loosen before they can be moved. In fact, it is not unusual for teeth to be somewhat loose the entire time you are in braces. Once your braces are removed, your teeth will tighten up again, in their new, straightened positions.
Compliance with Treatment
To achieve the best result in the shortest amount of time possible, it is very important that you work with us to successfully accomplish your treatment goals. Coming in for your regularly scheduled adjustments is certainly important, but other factors will also determine your outcome. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if you follow our directions carefully and stay away from foods that will damage your appliances. Additionally, making sure to wear rubber bands (or other “extras”) is key to achieving the sensational smile for which we are all aiming.
Keeping Things Clean
It is more important than ever to brush and floss regularly (including after every meal) when you have braces. This is one of the only ways to ensure that the teeth and gums will be healthy after your orthodontic treatment is complete. We recommend that our patients rinse nightly with Phos-Flur a special Colgate rinse designed to add strength and hardness to the teeth while they are in braces. Phos-flur has been clinically proven to reduce decalcification (white-spot lesions) by 58%!!
Regular and frequent visits to the dentist are also extremely important during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Levin recommends that every patient see his or her pediatric or family dentist at least once every six months, and more frequently under certain circumstances.
Athletics
If you play sports, Dr. Levin almost always recommends a protective mouthguard for athletic activities. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in an exciting variety of colors and patterns. Please let us know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for you.
Injuries during sports are common. Most of the time, minor bumps and bruises are not a problem. Many injuries, however, can be made worse if braces are involved. In the case of any injury involving the face, be sure to check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please contact us or your family dentist immediately. In the mean time, you may be able to relieve discomfort temporarily with orthodontic wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
Loose Wires, Brackets, or Bands
Don’t be alarmed if something comes loose. This happens occasionally. Luckily, these problems are usually not an emergency. All we ask is that you contact our office as soon as possible so that we can assess the situation and advise you accordingly. Many repairs can be taken care of simply by adding time to your next scheduled appointment, if it is not too far in the future.
ORTHODONTIC FIRST AID
Thankfully, the incidence of true orthodontic emergencies is rare, but when they do occur we are always available for you. You might be surprised to learn, however, that you can solve many problems yourself, at least temporarily, and until you are able to call our office and allow us to assess your particular situation.
Poking/Irritating Wires
This can occur on occasion, and if it does it tends to be within the first three to four months of treatment. If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (like the eraser end of a pencil) and gently push the irritating wire out of the way. Alternatively, wax may be placed over any sharp or poking wire. If the wire cannot be bent away or covered, and you feel comfortable, simply cut it with a small nail clipper. It is always OK to cut something that is protruding or poking you. We will replace whatever it is you removed at your next visit.
Loose Brackets or Bands
Don’t be alarmed if something comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a bracket or band comes loose, it is not an emergency. All we ask is that you contact our office as soon as possible so that we can assess the situation and advise you accordingly. Many repairs can be taken care of simply by adding time to your next scheduled appointment, if it is not too far in the future. If the loose bracket or band is irritating, and for temporary relief, place a little bit of orthodontic wax on it to cushion the area.
Discomfort
When you get your braces on, and sometimes after certain adjustments, you may feel a general soreness in your mouth. It is very normal for your teeth to be tender to biting pressures for three to five days*. To feel better, you may choose to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Dissolve 1 teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously for a few minutes. If the tenderness continues to be uncomfortable we recommend that you take whatever you would normally for headaches or similar pains. (But never exceed the dosing outlined on the bottle.) We promise, your mouth will not be sore forever.
You should expect that your lips, cheeks, and tongue might become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to your new braces. The orthodontic wax we give you can be placed on any rough surface until your mouth has gotten accustomed to your new braces. Wax is your 1-stop shop for fixing nearly every type of sore your braces may cause. With orthodontic wax, the trick to remember is that less is more! And, as your mouth becomes more and more used to your braces, your reliance on wax will become less and less.
* In the event that your discomfort lasts longer than three to five days, or your normal dosing of pain medication does not bring relief, please call our office. This might be an indication that there is something more going on.
Trauma
In the case of any injury involving the face, be sure to check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please contact us or your family dentist immediately. In the mean time, you may be able to relieve discomfort temporarily with orthodontic wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
RETAINER INSTRUCTIONS
Congratulations! You have finally come to the end of the active phase of your orthodontic treatment (or maybe you are just tempting yourself with what is yet to come…). Whatever the case, here is a list of common Do’s and Don’ts that will help you to maintain your smile for life.
DO
- Wear your retainers full time, until Dr. Levin instructs otherwise. This generally means all the time, except for eating meals and brushing your teeth.
- Remove retainers when swimming or playing contact sports. …But be sure to put them back in your mouth as soon as the game is over!
- Clean your retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use room temperature (not hot) water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent or a similar orthodontic appliance cleaner (found in any drug store) can be used, but does not take the place of brushing.
- ALWAYS put retainers in their case during meals. Most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.
- Keep them away from your dogs! Pets love to chew on them.
- Contact our office immediately if your retainers are lost or broken, so that we can arrange for their replacement.
DON’T
- Wrap your retainers in napkins!! See #2 above. That is, unless you want to be digging through the trash…
- Expose your retainers to hot car dashboards or pockets. From the latter, they could find themselves in the washing machine (bad) or on a cold ski slope (true story).
- Forget to bring your retainers to your appointments. A retainer check cannot be completed without a retainer!
- Give up! Initially you might find talking with your retainers in to be difficult. And interestingly, adults usually have a longer adaptation period than their children. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
- Try to adjust your retainers yourself. If you have any questions about your retainers, or they are loose, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
OFFICE LOCATION
Conveniently located on Tatum Blvd. across from Desert Ridge Marketplace. We are in the Shade at Desert Ridge plaza, above Starbucks.
Directions from the Loop 101: Exit North on Tatum Blvd. Make a left at the first traffic light, and a quick right into the Shade at Desert Ridge plaza.
Directions from the North: Head south on Tatum Blvd, or take Cave Creek Rd to Deer Valley Rd and then head east (turn left) on Deer Valley and south (turn right) on Tatum. Once on Tatum, and after the traffic light at Deer Valley, take your second right into the Shade plaza, where Starbucks is.
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Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is always an optimal time to start treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. Dr. Levin and the 
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults are in the unique position to fully appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Did you know that one out of every five patients now in orthodontic treatment is over 21? Did you also know that currently the largest growing segment of the population seeking orthodontic treatment is adult males? This market trend is, in part, due to the fact that there are so many more discreet treatment options available today, including clear ceramic brackets and Invisalign®. Be sure to ask Dr. Levin about what would be best for you.
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces available. Dr. Levin uses only low profile brackets, so that you will be more comfortable today than ever before. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful look.
Gold braces are similar to traditional metal braces in many ways. They are also made of high-grade stainless steel, but are coated in gold. Gold may be considered a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces. And, the cost of gold braces is surprisingly comparable to most clear braces.
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. Ceramic braces tend to be used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene because ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts.
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. No one will be able to tell you are seeing an orthodontist unless they get really close! Not only are the aligners virtually undetectable, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. 
Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth and are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces do take some getting used to, but they are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.