At Swenson Family Orthodontics, led by Dr. Brendon Swenson, we believe in empowering our patients in Lewiston, Idaho, and the entire Lewiston-Clarkston Valley with comprehensive information about their orthodontic journey. That's why we offer a completely complimentary consultation to address all your orthodontic and dental needs. As you embark on your treatment with braces, knowing how to care for your orthodontic appliances is key. Below, you'll find essential tips for a smooth and successful experience.
Adjusting your diet with new braces can feel a bit challenging initially, but it's crucial for protecting your appliance and progressing with your treatment. For the first few days, focus on soft, easily mashable foods. Think delicious pancakes, warm oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bananas, and applesauce for breakfast. For other meals, hearty soups, cooked or steamed vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, classic mac & cheese, and various pasta dishes are all great choices. And yes, you can still enjoy a scoop of ice cream!
Please steer clear of hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. These can easily damage your brackets and wires. Want some pro tips for eating with braces? Cook your vegetables until they're extra soft, cut corn off the cob, and slice apples into bite-sized pieces. While modern braces are incredibly durable, made from stainless steel and other resilient materials, your diligence in avoiding certain foods is vital. Soft foods are your best allies as they pose no direct threat to your brackets and archwires.
If you're ever unsure about a particular food, don't hesitate to ask Dr. Swenson and our team! We're here to help you navigate your dietary choices.
While serious medical emergencies always warrant contacting your doctor or local emergency services, many orthodontic "emergencies" have simple, temporary solutions. At Swenson Family Orthodontics, serving Lewiston, Clarkston, and surrounding communities, our dedicated team is here to guide you through any unexpected issues.
For common discomforts like loose brackets or poking wires, orthodontic wax can be a lifesaver, providing a cushion against your cheeks and lips. You can often gently tuck a poking wire back into place with a blunt object, like the eraser end of a pencil. Even with these DIY fixes, it's always best to call our Lewiston office to schedule an appointment for a permanent repair.
Some initial discomfort is normal as your teeth begin to shift during treatment. You might experience soreness or a feeling of loose teeth. Over-the-counter pain medication and saltwater rinses can effectively alleviate this. If discomfort persists for more than five days, please reach out to Dr. Swenson for additional guidance.
Depending on your unique jaw alignment, your upper teeth might come into contact with the braces on your lower teeth. This can sometimes lead to dislodged lower braces, requiring extra visits for repairs. To prevent this and facilitate proper teeth positioning, Dr. Swenson may recommend small, temporary additions called "Bite Turbos" (placed behind your front teeth) or "Bite Props" (on the biting surface of your back teeth).
You might notice that your teeth don't fully meet when these are in place. This is normal and will require you to adjust your diet to softer foods for a couple of weeks to make chewing easier. Should a bite bump come off, please don't hesitate to call our office to schedule a quick repair.
When Dr. Swenson refers to "elastics," he's talking about tiny rubber bands. These small but mighty tools apply specific pressure to your teeth in directions that braces or Invisalign trays alone can't achieve. They connect to small hooks on your braces or aligners. You can easily remove and reinsert them, and Dr. Swenson will provide clear instructions on how often to wear them and in what configuration. Always wear your elastics precisely as prescribed by your orthodontist.
If an elastic breaks, don't worry! Simply replace it with a new one from your supply. We ensure you have plenty on hand. If you run out, just give our office a call, and we'll happily ship you more. While elastics are generally durable, overstretching can sometimes cause them to tear. If this happens repeatedly, we may need to adjust the size of your elastics, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount during orthodontic treatment. Start by rinsing your mouth with water before brushing; this helps dislodge any food particles around your teeth and braces. When you're ready to brush, position a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline. Then, angle your toothbrush down to brush the top of each bracket, and reposition it to brush the area below the brackets. Remember to use gentle, circular motions and take your time to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces.
Parents, even if your child is old enough to brush independently, supervising their brushing can be beneficial as they adjust to cleaning their teeth with braces.
Flossing is crucial for optimal oral health, and while it might seem more challenging with braces, it's still essential. A floss threader makes flossing with braces much easier. You can also use soft picks to clean the spaces between your teeth.
Incorporating a fluoride mouthwash can provide an extra layer of protection against cavities. Consistent oral hygiene is vital during orthodontic treatment, and parental support can significantly help children maintain this crucial routine. Even with braces, regular dental check-ups and cleanings twice a year are a must.
Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment with braces! While your active treatment may be over, the journey to a lasting smile continues with retainers. These are critical for preserving the incredible results you've worked so hard to achieve. Retainers effectively prevent orthodontic relapse, ensuring your bite remains stable and your beautiful smile stays perfectly aligned.
At the end of your treatment, we'll take an impression of your teeth to custom-fabricate your retainers, designed to hold your teeth in their new, ideal positions. In most cases, retainers are worn for several years, or even indefinitely. You'll have options for different types of retainers, and Dr. Swenson will help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Regardless of the type of retainer you choose, it's essential to continue your excellent oral hygiene habits. Remember to brush your teeth and clean your retainers with liquid soap. Never use hot water or put your retainers in a dishwasher, as this can cause them to warp.
If you have removable retainers, always store them in their case when you take them out. Please avoid wrapping them in a napkin – this is the most common reason patients accidentally lose them! Should you lose or break a retainer, please contact our Lewiston office as soon as possible.
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You can also just give us a call at 208-746-0479. Dr. Brendon Swenson and our team can't wait to meet you!
