Brace Care

Bolin Orthodontics office manager smiling and talking to a young girl

Take Care of Your Braces

At Dr. Sanford's office, we use state-of-the-art materials to provide gentle, yet effective treatment. Most patients experience a minimal amount of discomfort, which passes in a few days or so. For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.

During your first few weeks of treatment, you should avoid (or at least minimize consumption) of the following types of food:

  • Sticky Foods
  • Hard Foods
  • Sugary Foods

STICKY FOODS TO AVOID

  • Gum (sugar-free or regular)
  • Licorice
  • Sugar Daddies
  • Toffee
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Caramels
  • Starburst
  • Gummy Treats
  • Fruit Roll-ups
  • Skittles

HARD FOODS TO AVOID

  • Uncooked carrots (unless sliced or shredded)
  • Ice
  • Nuts
  • Hard taco shells
  • Bagels
  • French bread crust/rolls
  • Corn on the cob
  • Apples (unless cut up)
  • Chips
  • Jolly Ranchers
  • Pizza crust

SUGARY FOODS TO AVOID

  • Drinks with added sugar
  • Cake
  • Ice Cream
  • Cookies
  • Pie
  • Candy
  • Soda
  • Sweetened Tea
  • Gatorade
  • Kool-Aid

YOUR FIRST FEW DAYS IN BRACES

At Dr. Sanford's office, we use state-of-the-art materials to provide gentle, yet effective movement.
Most patients experience a minimal amount of discomfort, which passes in a few days or so.

AFTER YOUR BRACES ARE REMOVED

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts throughout high school, with check-up visits to our office for the first 12 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on a commitment to regular retainer wear, so follow through with the work you've put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer carefully while cradled in your hand before placing it back in your mouth. Soaking retainers at least twice a week in retainer/denture cleaner will disinfect them as well as refresh them.

We can't wait to meet you

Call 203-762-2322 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We'll be in touch soon.