Dr. Mark Padilla and our team invite you to review the following information to help you care for your orthodontic appliance and enjoy a more comfortable treatment experience:
Treating Minor Pain
In general, braces do not hurt when they are first placed on your teeth. If you experience pain or tenderness, you can try the following to ease your discomfort:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Eat soft food
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Use orthodontic wax
Most discomfort will ease within a few days; however, please call our office if your pain is severe or does not subside.
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with water is important while you are in braces. During your appointment at MP Orthodontics, we will provide you with information on the type of toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss that you should use during your orthodontic treatment. It is important to keep your teeth and gums clean, so they sparkle and shine when your braces are removed!
Taking Care of Appliances
It is important to wear orthodontic appliances according to instructions. If your appliance is uncomfortable, it may require an adjustment. If you lose your appliance, call our office so that we can make a new one. Make sure to keep your appliance clean and inside a case when not in use.
Food to Avoid with Braces
When you are wearing braces, chewy and sticky food should be avoided because they can damage your bands, brackets, and wires. Also, you may feel discomfort eating hard or crunchy food in the days following the placement of your braces, or after your braces are adjusted. We hope that your orthodontic experience is comfortable and easy. Do not worry. You can still enjoy delicious food – but you should do your best to avoid choices that can damage your braces or your teeth.
Emergencies
If a bracket or band falls off, or if a wire becomes loose, call our office. We will schedule an emergency appointment for you as soon as possible. A lost bracket or loose wire can be uncomfortable and can also slow your treatment. If an emergency occurs during evening hours or over a weekend, please give us a call. If it is a true emergency, we will make accommodations to see at our office after hours.
You are welcome to contact our orthodontic office in Plano and Anna, Texas, today to learn more, and to schedule a time to see our orthodontist at MP Orthodontics.
