Top Tips for Braces Wearers

Check out these important care tips for braces wearers by Dr. Alyse Stern of Stern Orthodontics in Mount Kisco

What not to eat

Certain foods must be avoided, such as sticky candies and hard foods. Some examples of food to avoid: Bubble Gum, Gummy Bears, Ice, Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, Jolly Ranchers, Now and Laters, Fireballs, Twizzlers, Lollipops, Caramels, Starbursts, Whole Nuts, Hard Pretzels, Popcorn, Jaw Breakers, Corn on the Cob, and Whole Apples and Carrots. 

Keep your mouth fresh and clean

Brushing your teeth is really important, especially when you have braces on.  Brush your teeth, being careful to remove all food particles around and under the arch wire, and around the brackets.  Brush at least 3-4 times per day, for at least two minutes.  Make sure to brush your teeth EVERY TIME you eat-- never leave food around your brackets!  Food will get trapped in your braces. .Poor oral hygiene can lead to permanent stains on your teeth. Don’t forget to floss often.  Set aside some extra time during your day to take care of your braces!

Take care of your braces

Treat your appliances like pieces of jewelry-- they’re delicate.  Don’t pick at them; you’ll distort or break them.  It is important to know that any time there is something broken in your mouth, your treatment automatically becomes longer.   Breakage means additional visits, delays in treatment, possibly extra expense, and even discontinuing treatment.  Cooperation, on the other hand, means getting results you want in the least amount of time necessary.

Follow these simple rules and you’ll be ready to reveal your beautiful new smile in no time at all!

To learn more about taking care of your braces or to get a free consultation, call Stern Orthodontics at (914) 864-2900 or check out their website.

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Submitted by Katonah, NY

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